Main CPGW Record
Surname: RUSSELL
Forename(s): David
Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire
Service No: 2282
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 1/6th Battalion
Division: 49th (West Riding) Division
Age: 21
Date of Death: 1915-12-16
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: IV. D. 4.
CWGC Cemetery: TALANA FARM CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
David Russell was the son of Polly Russell, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Russell, née Stevenson. David was the cousin of Private David Russell (2431) (q.v.); L/Sergeant John Willie Russell (14703) (q.v.) and Private Clarence Clark (37281) (q.v.).
1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: Robinson's Yard, Waller Hill - David Russell, aged 6 years, born Skipton, son of Polly Russell (single).
1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 3, West Bradley Street - David Russell, aged 16 years, born Skipton, son of Polly Russell (single).
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte David Russell, 2282, W Rid R. Theatre of War first served in: 1 - France. Date of entry therein: 29.6.15. K. in A. 16.12.15.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte David Russell, 6/2282, 1/6 W Rid R. K. in A. 16.12.15.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte David Russell, 2282, 1/6th Bn W. Riding Rgt. Date and Place of Death: 16.12.15 in action. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Polly. £1 17s. 6d.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte David Russell, 2282, 1/6th Bn W. Riding Regt. Date and Place of Death: 16.12.15. In action. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Miss Polly Russell. £7 11s. 2d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for David. Name(s) on card(s): Miss Polly Russell, born 1870. Relationship to soldier: Mother. Address: 38, Clitheroe Street, Skipton.
David is commemorated on the Midland Railway War Memorial at Derby.
See also: ‘Guiseley Terriers: A Small Part in The Great War – A History of the 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment’ by Stephen Barber (2018).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
RUSSELL, David, aged 21, 6th Duke of Wellington’s, of 38, Clitheroe Street, [Skipton]. Platelayer for Midland Railway Company, playing member of Niffany Rovers F.C., killed near Ypres, Dec. 16. 1915.
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Private David RUSSELL
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
Talana Farm Cemetery
CWGC Headstone
Courtesy of Aurel Sercu, Boezinge, Belgium
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
24 December 1915
SKIPTON TERRITORIAL REPORTED KILLED
Another casualty in the 1/6 Battalion Duke of Wellington’s was reported unofficially early this week. The unfortunate one on this occasion was Pte. David Russell, whose parents reside at 38 Clitheroe Street, Broughton Road, Skipton. The sad intelligence first reached them through a letter brought home from the
Front by men coming across on leave, the information being to the effect that Pte. Russell was shot through the body while on duty in the trenches. At the time of writing, however, no communication had been received in confirmation, either from the Company Officer or the War Office authorities.
Pte. Russell was 21 years of age in October last and joined the 6th West Ridings the day after war was declared. He trained with them at various places, but owing to his having undergone an operation was unable to proceed to France with the main body in April last. He crossed with a draft in June last.
Prior to enlisting, Pte. Russell was employed by the Midland Railway and was a prominent player in the Skipton Niffany Rovers Football Club for several seasons.
This is the second man the Rovers have lost within the past six weeks, the other being Pte. Toon, who also resided in the Broughton Road district, and who, singularly enough, was Pte. Russell’s partner on the left wing. It is not very long ago they played together in an inter-battalion match in France, and gave a clever exhibition, being largely responsible for their team’s easy victory.
31 December 1915
RUSSELL – Killed in action in France, December 1915, Private David Russell, First Sixth Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, and of 38 Clitheroe Street, Skipton, aged 21 years.
07 January 1916
PRIVATE RUSSELL’S DEATH CONFIRMED
The parents of Pte. David Russell, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, a Skiptonian, have received official notification from the War Office of their son’s death in France, which was unofficially reported a fortnight ago. The letter expresses the sympathy of the King and Queen and is signed by Lord Kitchener.
Capt. K. Nicholson, Pte. Russell’s Company Commander, has also written stating that the unfortunate young fellow was killed in action on the 16th December. He adds:– “Both the Officers, N.C.O.s and men are exceedingly sorry to lose him and they all send their sympathy in your sad bereavement. I might add that he was killed instantaneously and suffered no pain.”
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
24 December 1915
PTE. DAVID RUSSELL OF SKIPTON KILLED
PTE. DAVID RUSSELL OF SKIPTON KILLED
The sad news has been received this week that Private David Russell, of the 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, and of 38 Clitheroe Street, Skipton, has been killed in action in France.
The information was received in the following letter written to Mr. C.W. Vick, of 28 Pendle Street, Skipton, by Private Cyril E. Newhouse (also a Skipton lad) as follows:– “Just a few lines asking you to break the news if you have not already heard about the death of poor David Russell. He was killed last night (Dec. 16th), and we shall all miss him very much. He has played many a good game of football for Niffany Rovers. Niffany is losing many good lads and I expect there will be more to follow. We all know David has done his duty, and it is up to the lads of Broughton Road to show and give Mrs. Russell our deepest sympathy. He was killed near Ypres and died for his King and country.”
Private Russell, who was only 21 years of age, enlisted upon the outbreak of the war, and prior to then he was a platelayer in the employ of the Midland Railway Company.
24 December 1915
CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – SKIPTON
Private David Russell, 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, killed near Ypres on December 16th. Resided at 38 Clitheroe Street, Skipton. Single, 21 years of age, worked as a platelayer for the Midland Railway Company. Was a playing member of the Niffany Rovers football team.
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