David RUSSELL (2)

15 October 1915

SKIPTON SOLDIER IN HOSPITAL

Pte. David Russell of the 6th West Ridings, and formerly of Skipton, arrived in England during the early part of the week, after spending a period of six months in the firing line. Pte. Russell, who had served in the local Territorial Battalion for some years prior to the outbreak of war, re-enlisted shortly after the commencement of hostilities. Writing to his wife, who resides at 20, Sheep Street, Skipton, he says:– “I am sorry I have not got into Yorkshire, but I have got a nice cottage hospital in Southport. You must not be uneasy for we are well looked after. Much to our surprise we alighted at Aintree, and a party of us were driven to Southport in a private motor car. En route we met a great deal of people who cheered, and threw us cigarettes and sweets. We had a lively voyage across from France, going on board at four in the afternoon and setting sail at nine. Please remember me to all my pals and friends.”

Pte. Russell is well known in Skipton, he having for some years been a playing member of the Skipton Church Institute Cricket Club.

03 December 1915

CRAVEN AND THE WAR – CASUALTIES

Pte. J. W. Russell, 9th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mrs. J. Russell, Cork’s Yard, Skipton, has been wounded in two places while serving in France and has been sent across to England for treatment.

News of Pte. Russell’s mishap first came to hand from another Skipton soldier, Pte. A. Metcalfe, serving in the same unit. His version of the affair was to the effect that Pte. Russell, himself and others were resting round a fire in their billets when a shell “landed.” Pte. Metcalfe was flung into a corner of the room, but uninjured, and Pte. Russell was struck in the arm. He was able to walk to the doctor to have the wound dressed.

Subsequently Mrs. Russell received letter from her son stating that he was going on all right, but would have to go under an operation shortly, otherwise his arm would be of little use to him.

The official notification came to hand on Saturday, to the effect that Pte. Russell had been wounded by shrapnel in the arm and shoulder and was now in the Norfolk War Hospital at Thorp.

Prior to the war Pte. Russell was employed at Bell Vue Mills and joined Kitchener’s Army shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. He was a member of the Skipton Conservative Club and played in the League Billiard Team.

His brother, Pte. David Russell, 6th Batt. Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, has been invalided to England and was home on leave last week.

30 June 1916

BARNOLDSWICK’S FOURTH D.C.M.

Another Barnoldswick soldier, Sergeant James Bury, of the 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (grenade company), has been awarded the D.C.M. (for conspicuous gallantry). Sergt. Bury is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bury, 6, East Parade, Barnoldswick. He went out to France in April 1915 with the rank of Corporal. The official announcement of the exploit, which earned him the coveted distinction, reads as follows:– “For conspicuous gallantry. When the enemy bombed a post of which he was in charge, causing some casualties, he stuck to the post and bombed the enemy back single-handed. This is not the first occasion on which he has shown great courage.”

In a letter to his parents a few days ago Sergt. Bury writes:– “I have left the convalescent depot and am now at the base. You will no doubt know that I have got the D.C.M. There are a lot of the boys here – Dave Russell, and lots of my old bombers. I can see us having some fun when we get back up the line. I went in front of ‘Bones’ this morning and he is doping me with iron tonic or something like that, but I am marked ‘active’ and there isn’t anything wrong with me. I have seen a lot of Barnoldswickers and they are all in the pink. I am going down the town if I get a chance before I renew my acquaintance with Fritz.”

Sergt. Bury was, prior to the outbreak of war, a prominent member of the Barnoldswick Football Club, and worked as a weaver at Messrs. Dugdale and Dewhurst’s Wellhouse Mill. One of his brothers is in the Coldstream Guards.

The previous holders of the Distinguished Conduct Medal are: Pte. Fred Bracewell, Sergt. P. B. Garratt and Quarter-Master Sergeant J. [F.] Green.

14 July 1916

SKIPTON SOLDIERS WOUNDED

Another Skipton territorial who was wounded last week is Pte. David Russell, of the 1st 6th West Riding Regiment, whose wife lives at 20, Sheep Street. In a letter to the latter, Pte. Russell says:– “I have been wounded slightly behind the ear. Don’t worry, as I am all right. No doubt you will have heard that we have been up against it this week, and that W. Burgess, out of Middletown, was killed. I am in hospital at Rouen. I shall not get to ‘Blighty’ this time, as I am not bad enough. Both S. Hudson and M. Chapman, Skipton soldiers, were in at the advance, and John Drake was standing by me when I got tapped.”

20 October 1916

RUSSELL – Died in Hospital in France from wounds received in action October 14th 1916, Pte. David Russell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, of Skipton, aged 28.

In a far and foreign graveyard,
Where the trees their branches wave,
Lies a loving husband and father dear
In his cold and silent grave.
There on the field of battle
He bravely took his place,
And fought and died for England
And the honour of his race.

From his loving Wife and Child, 20, Sheep Street, Skipton.

20 October 1916

SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR – WELL-KNOWN SPORTSMAN DIES FROM WOUNDS: PRIVATE DAVID RUSSELL

It is with much regret that we have to record the death from wounds in action of Pte. David Russell, of the West Riding Regiment, a well-known Skipton footballer and cricketer. From the news which has been received by his wife, who lives in Albert Street, Skipton, it appears that Pte. Russell was out with a working party on the morning of October 12th and was seriously wounded in the legs and thighs. He was afterwards admitted to the surgical ward at No. 4 General Hospital in France, but his general condition was apparently too low for a second operation, and death took place on Saturday evening. Twenty-eight years of age, deceased was, prior to the war, employed at Belle Vue Mills, Skipton, and was widely known in the town and district through his connection as a playing member with the Skipton Rugby Football Club, the Cononley Association Football Club, and the Skipton Church Institute Cricket Club. He leaves a wife and one child, with whom much sympathy is felt.

Writing under the date of October 12th, Lieut. Druery stated:- “I regret to inform you that your husband, Pte. David Russell, while out with a working party, was wounded this morning. His wounds are chiefly in the legs and I am pleased to let you know that the medical officer does not regard them as serious. He will, I expect, be in England almost as soon as this letter reaches you, and you will then receive all details from him. With every good wish for his quick recovery to his former health.”

During last weekend a Sister at the No. 4 General Hospital wrote as follows:- “No doubt you have received a cable telling you of your husband’s condition, which is very serious, so I thought I would drop you a line before the mail closes, to let you know that he is still in a critical condition, having received severe wounds in both legs and thighs. He came into this ward last night and his condition then was considered serious. This morning there was no improvement. He is not in any pain at all although his wounds are severe, but his general condition is too low for any further operation at present.”

The writer of the letter also mentions that Pte. Russell’s condition was such that he could not take much notice of things and that his thoughts were only for his loved ones.

The following letter was received from the same Sister on Wednesday morning:– “I am very sorry indeed to have to tell you of your poor husband’s death, which occurred at six o’clock last evening, only a few hours after I wrote you about his condition. From the first it was feared that nothing could be done for him, and the surgeons consulted with one another, but decided it would only hasten the end by further operations. Your husband did not suffer much pain at all and passed away very quietly. We are all very grieved to think that we could not do anything more for him than to make his last hours peaceful, and the ward staff join with me in sympathy to you in your sad loss.”

12 October 1917

RUSSELL – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private David Russell, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, who died of wounds October 14th, 1916.

Somewhere in France, in a lonely grave,
Beside his comrades he is laid;
A loving son, a brother dear,
None at his grave to shed a tear.

No one who knew him need ever be told,
A warmer heart death never made cold;
His cheery way, his smiling face,
There’s none can fill our dear son’s place.

From his loving Mother, Sisters and Brother; also brothers in France.

RUSSELL – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private David Russell, died of wounds in France, October 14th, 1916.

Sad was my heart when you marched away,
And sadder the blow received that day;
Dear husband, my loss can never be told,
I miss you more as the days grow old.

From his loving wife, 20, Sheep Street, Skipton.

09 November 1917

DEATHS

RUSSELL – November 2nd, at 20, Sheep Street, Skipton, Grace, widow of the late Private David Russell, of Skipton, aged 29 years.

11 October 1918

RUSSELL – In proud and loving remembrance of a dear son and brother, Private D. Russell, who died of wounds received in action October 14th. 1916.

We who loved you sadly miss you
As it dawns another year;
In our lonely hours of thinking
Thoughts of you are very near.
Ever his memory shall be cherished
In our hearts a sacred spot.
For his loving acts of kindness,
Could they ever be forgot.

From his loving Mother, Sisters, and Brothers (serving at home and in France).

17 October 1919

RUSSELL – In proud and loving remembrance of a dear son and brother, Private David Russell, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, who died of wounds October 14th, 1916.

Someone must go, the fight must be won,
His farewell words: his life’s journey done;
His life for his loved ones he cheerfully gave,
Sweet memories linger in that far away grave.

From his loving Mother, Sisters, and Brother; also his loving son Clifford.

15 October 1920

RUSSELL – In loving remembrance of our dear son and brother, Pte. David Russell, who died of wounds, October 11th, 1916.

Sweet memories of the past,
Links of a broken chain,
Thoughts that take us back to times
We shall never see again.

From his loving Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

15 October 1920

IN EVER LOVING MEMORY of my daddy, who died of wounds, on 14th October, 1916.

“He sleeps with the brave.”

From his dear Son, Clifford: also Mrs. Gallagher and Family, 20 Sheep Street, Skipton.