Nelson Russell
Brigadier Nelson Russell, CB, DSO, MC (b. 7 July 1897, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland - d. 20 October 1971, Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland) was a British soldier who served in both World Wars.[1]
Russell's father was Nelson Russell of Lisburn. He was educated at Campbell College, Belfast. In 1926, he married Edith, also from Lisburn; the couple had no children.[1]
He played cricket for Lisburn and for Ireland.[1]
Military career
In April 1914, Russell was mobilised as a reservist and joined The Royal Irish Fusiliers as a 2nd lieutenant. He was attached to the 1st Battalion for service in France and Belgium between July 1915 and July 1916 - winning the Military Cross - and subsequently became adjutant at 10 Brigade Bombing School.[1]
After the end of World War I, Russell was commissioned into The Royal Irish Fusiliers (again as a 2nd lieutenant) and during the inter-war period, he served in Egypt, India, Sudan and Palestine. In 1937 he was promoted to major and served as a Brigade Major, until the end of March 1940. After an appointment as a staff officer (GSO2), he became Commander of the 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade in Britain, North Africa, Sicily and Italy from July 1942 until February 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1943 during the Tunisian campaign and was subsequently mentioned in despatches whilst in Sicily and Italy.[1]
For a short period after the war, Russell was Commander, Belfast Sub-Area and then Commander of the Belfast Garrison before an appointment as Commander, Ulster Independent Infantry Brigade Group from 1947 to 1950. He was finally promoted to brigadier (previously an acting or temporary rank) in 1950, shortly before his retirement on 4 August 1950.[1]
He was Serjeant-at-Arms to the Parliament of Northern Ireland between 1951 and 1959.
Awards and decorations
- Companion of the Order of the Bath (9 June 1949)[1][2]
- Distinguished Service Order (5 August 1943)[1]
- Military Cross (16 May 1916)[1]
- Mentioned in Despatches twice (23 March 1944 and 24 August 1944)[1]
- 1914-1915 Star[1]
- British War Medal 1914-1920[1]
- Victory Medal[1]
- General Service Medal with "Palestine" clasp for 1936-39[1]
Citation for Military Cross:
For conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemy's trenches. He was the first man into the trench, where he shot an officer, and finally skilfully withdrew after doing all the damage possible.[1]