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]

Russel represented Ireland at both cricket and field hockey. He also played for Lisburn Cricket Club and Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.[1][2]

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 the First World War, Russell was commissioned into The Royal Irish Fusiliers as a 2nd lieutenant. 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. During this period, he also took command of the ad hoc Y Division during the fighting in North Africa. 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. He was then appointed 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

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]

References
  1. Houterman, Hans. "British Army Officers 1939-1945: Russell, Nelson". unithistories. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  2. "A History Of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club 1901-1976 (Part 2)". lisburn.com. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  3. "Supplement to the London Gazette" (PDF). Retrieved 11 June 2014.
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