John Willie RUSSELL

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.

10 May 1918

RUSSELL – May 7th, at Frensham Hill Military Hospital, from wounds received in action, Private John William Russell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, of Skipton, aged 33 years. Interment at Waltonwrays Cemetery on Saturday, May 11th, leaving house at 2-15 p.m.

10 May 1918

Private J. W. Russell, Skipton

Private John William Russell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, whose parents reside in Cork’s Yard, Skipton, died on Tuesday at Frensham Hill Military Hospital, Farnham, from wounds received in action on April 14th. Formerly a Volunteer, he rejoined immediately after war broke out. He was 33 years of age and a well-known local billiard player, being a prominent member of the Skipton Conservative Club’s team.

17 May 1918

Sergeant J. W. Russell, Skipton

Another Skiptonian to give his life for the great cause is Sergeant John Willie Russell, West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Russell, 12 Cook’s Yard. Skipton. He was wounded in the right shoulder in the recent fighting and removed to Farnham Hospital, where septic poisoning, set in and proved fatal. He was 33 years of age and enlisted in September 1914. He had been at the Front over two years, and had been thrice wounded. Formerly he was employed in the bleaching department at Belle Vue Mills, Skipton, and was a prominent member of the Skipton Conservative Club and of the Working Men’s Club. He was married, his wife’s home being in Surrey. The funeral took place at Waltonwrays Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, and was accompanied by military honours, a number of soldiers from Raikes Camp an local discharged soldiers being present. The service was conducted by the Rev. L. H. Gaunt, and the Skipton Mission Band also took part.

Mrs. Russell had previously lost another son, Private David Russell, who was killed in February, 1916, while a third, Private James Thomas Birtle, is also in France.

09 May 1919

RUSSELL – In loving remembrance of a dear son and brother, Sergeant J. W. Russell, died of wounds May 17th, 1918.

Upright and just in all his ways,
Faithful and true to the end of his days;
Forgotten to the world by some he may be,
But true to our memory he ever will be.

From his loving Mother, Sister, and Brothers, Cook’s Yard, Skipton.

RUSSELL – In loving remembrance of my dear husband, Sergeant J. W. Russell, died of wounds May 17th, 1918.

Some may think that I forget you
When they sometimes see me smile;
But they little know the sorrow
That the smile hides all the while.

From his loving wife Dorcas, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

RUSSELL – In loving memory of Sergeant J. W. Russell, who died of wounds May 7th, 918.

Ever remembered by his chum Arthur.

07 May 1920

RUSSELL – To the sacred memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. J. W. Russell, who died of wounds May 7th, 1918.

For beyond this world of sorrow –
Far beyond this world of care –
We shall find our missing loved ones
In our Father’s mansion fair.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now our loved one sleeping.

From his loving Mother, Sister and Brother, 12 Cook’s Yard, Skipton.

14 May 1920

RUSSELL – In loving memory of Sergeant J. W. Russell, died of wounds May 7th, 1918.

“Ever remembered.”

From his Chum, Arthur.

13 May 1921

RUSSELL – In loving memory of Sergt. J. W. Russell, died of wounds, May 7th, 1918.

“Ever remembered.”

From his chum, Arthur.