Peter Reid RUSSELL

'Burnley Express’ (5 March 1919)

(Kindly supplied by the website: Burnley in the Great War)

NEWS FROM SALONIKA

News has been received from the War Office by Mrs. P.R. Russell, Grasmere-street, Burnley, confirming the death of her husband, Lce.-Corpl. P.R. Russell, 12th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, at Salonika. He was reported missing as from September 19th last year, and it is presumed that he was killed in severe fighting about that date. The deceased was in the employ of the Refuge Assurance Co., and was in charge of the Earby branch, where he resided when he joined the colours. He entered the company’s service in 1901, and had had a successful career. He was a fluent penman, and showed considerable ability in sketching and drawing. He was an active worker in connection with St. Paul’s Healey Wood Schools, and played with the cricket and football teams, taking a fair part in the successes the club enjoyed in winning the Sunday School League championship and the Hospital Cup. A splendid sportsman, he was also a member of the Glee Union, and his talents were always at the disposal of the Healey Wood lads. He leaves a widow and one child.

An Appreciation

Of all the ‘lads’ at Healey Wood School there was none more dearly loved than ‘Pete’ Russell. On the playing field, by his ability and his manly conduct, he won the approval of friend and rival alike. Keen and intelligent, the higher things appealed to him. Music and literature he enjoyed to the full. The late and early hours one spent with him discussing Burns and the poets, or music, will long be remembered by those who joined with him. Clever and ambitious, without conceit, these were the qualities we loved him for, and on the occasion when he painted the whole stage setting for Healey Wood School, and responded to the call, we were proud of him. But he has responded to a greater ‘call’; on the sacrificial alter he has laid down his life for King and country, and he leaves behind him a fragrant memory. Those who knew him best loved him most. May he rest in peace.

A FRIEND.