John Francis Russell

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 21/08/2015 - 14:37

First Name:

John

Middle Name:

Francis

Last Name:

Russell

Mother's Name:

Jane Russell (nee Donnelly)

Father's Name:

William Russell

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, December 16, 1914

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

2nd Division Field Artillery

Service:

Artillery

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Friday, October 12, 1917

Place of Death:

Belgium

Cause of Death:

Killed in action

Details:

Private John Russell (Service No 826) was born in Eden, NSW in 1893. At the time of enlistment he was a single 21 year old labourer living at Stanwell Park.

He embarked on HMAT A6 Clan Mccorquodale on 6th February 1915 with 3rd Reinforcements, 1st Light Horse and saw service on Gallipoli with them from 15th July 1915 till he was wounded in action with a gun shot wound to his back on 7th August 1915. He was evacuated to hospital in Malta and then to England for treatment. He returned to Egypt on 10th March 1916 and was transferred to 10th Field Artillary on 22nd April 1916 and was sent to France with them arriving on 5th June 1916.

On 28th March 1917 he was transferred to 2nd Division Field Artillary and was posted to the Divisional Ammunition Column as a driver.On 12th October 1917 while in the Ypres sector he was hit in the back by a shell fragment while carrying ammunition. John was taken to a dressing station but died on arrival and is buried in Reninghelst New Military Cemetery Plot IV, Row C, Grave 9.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, RUSSELL JOHN FRANCIS