He went to Sicily a year later and subsequently took part in the Peninsular War until 1814. During this time, he was decorated with the Army Silver Medal with six clasps and received the Army Gold Cross. Bell was wounded in the Battle of Vimeiro in 1808 and was in the war's last years assistant quartermaster-general. In December 1814, he was transferred with his regiment to the United States and was involved in the Anglo-American War until the beginning of the following year. After his return to England, he was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath.