Arthur Charles RUSSELL

10 December 1915

HELLIFIELD – Home from the Front

Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell, son of Mr. E.H. Russell, stationmaster, of Hellifield, has been over from the Front during the past week on seven days’ leave. Lance-Corporal Russell, who joined the forces in September 1914, is a battalion signaller attached to the 10th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own (West Yorks.) Regiment. He has been on active service since last July. Before joining the army he was a ticket examiner employed by the Midland Railway Company at Beeston, Notts.–Private Anthony Thompson, son of Mr. John Thompson, of Halton West, arrived on Monday straight from the trenches, where he has been for the last five months. He joined the 9th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s W.R. Regiment at the outbreak of war. He returns to duty on Sunday.

17 March 1916

KILLED IN ACTION – LANCE-CORPORAL ARTHUR CHARLES RUSSELL

Quite a gloom was cast over the village of Hellifield last week when it became known that Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell, signaller, of the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, had been killed whilst on active service. The deceased, a strong well-built young fellow of six feet, was 24 years of age and was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H Russell of Station Road, Hellifield.

His Commanding Officer states that the unfortunate soldier was killed instantaneously by the bursting of a shell in his dug-out. There were seven in the dug-out, and of these two were killed and three wounded, the other two being untouched. The officer mentions that Lance-Corporal Russell was an excellent signaller and was always a helpful, cheery fellow.

The Sergeant writes as fellows:– “Lance-Corporal Russell was very much respected by officer and comrade, and I cannot speak too highly of him. He was my right-hand man and was absolutely straight and honourable in all his duties. He was fearless and reliable at all times, always an example to others, and his first thought was for his comrades.”

Before joining the forces, when war first broke out, Lance-Corporal Russell was a ticket examiner in the employ of the Midland Railway, and was attached to the staff at Beeston Station, near Nottingham. Previously, he was at Hellifield Station, where he was well-known and highly respected. He was connected with St. Aidan’s Church where he was first a choirboy and afterwards an adult member of the same choir. He was of a very reserved and quiet disposition, although always cheerful and happy. Three months ago he came from the trenches for a week’s furlough. He seemed to be quite happy in his surroundings, and was never heard to grumble or regret joining the army.

A peculiar coincidence in connection with this tragic incident is that Mr. E. H. Russell’s other son, who has been in the Bermudas for the last nine years, arrived in England on the same day and about the same time as the younger son was killed. It may be mentioned that Mr. George Russell has undertaken the long journey across the Atlantic in order that he may serve his King and Country.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening at St. Aidan’s Church a memorial service was held. Coupled with the name of Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell was that of Private John Bland, who was reported killed a fortnight ago. The 6th West Riding Cadets, in charge of Captain T. C. Sharples and Lieut. W. Ward, paraded in the village and marched to the Church. They were followed by practically the whole of the Hellifield station staff and men connected with other Departments of the railway. The church was filled to its utmost capacity, every available seat being occupied. The service also was very impressive, special lessons being read and a special hymn sung.

The Vicar, Rev. A. J. Whyte, took for his text, ‘Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friends.’ The reverend gentleman said that one should regard life as a spiritual struggle upon which a character is moulded. Two lives had been taken from their midst, both had made the great sacrifice, but they had not died in vain. He would comment, to all those who had come to pay their last tribute to those brave fellows, as a practical ideal, the character of Arthur Charles Russell as told to them by his sergeant, who said – “He was fearless and reliable at all times, straight and honourable in all his duties, his first thought was for his comrades, he was an example to others.” That character had been founded upon the teaching of Christ. His life had not been a question of money or fame, but had been one of purely Christian character.

The Dead March in ‘Saul,’ ‘O Rest in the Lord,’ and Handel’s ‘Comfort ye my people,’ were played by the organist, Mr. H. S. Lowe. At the close of the service the National Anthem was sung.

24 March 1916

RUSSELL – March 2nd, killed in action in France, Lance-Corporal (Signaller) Arthur Charles Russell, youngest son of Mr. E. H. Russell, Station Master, Hellifield, aged 24 years.

02 March 1917

RUSSELL – In loving remembrance of Arthur Charles Russell, Station House, Hellifield, Yorks., killed in action 2nd March, 1916, aged 24 years.

He nobly answered duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all.
‘At rest.’

From Father, Mother, Jessie, Teddie, Lucy, Fred and Laura.