John (Jack) Russell (?–1917)
John Russell, n.d.
from Pastoral Review, 16 July 1917
Capt. John Russell, who was killed in action in France on 9th April last, was the owner of Dueran, Mansfield, Vic., a son of the late Philip Russell, of Carngham, and a member of one of the best-known families in the Western District of Victoria. He was serving in the British Expeditionary Forces with the Guards Division of the Royal Field Artillery, and is the second member of the family to give his life in the Empire's cause, Lieut. Robert Russell having contracted meningitis while in the training camp.
Mrs. Russell, who is in England, has still two sons who have been serving with the army in France for over two years—Capt. Philip Russell, the present owner of Carngham, and Major Herbert Russell, who was stationed in India with the Imperial Forces when the war broke out. Capt. John Russell was extremely popular, being of a frank and open-hearted disposition, and his loss is personally felt by a large circle of friends.
Writing to Mrs. Russell on 9th April from the headquarters of the brigade to which the late officer was attached, Colonel L. C. Bryant says:—"It is with deepest regret that I write to tell you that your son Jack was killed in action to-day. He was up with the battery giving his orders. A stray shell came along and killed him instantaneously. He is a very great loss to me. He was always so cheery under all conditions, and didn't know what fear meant. He was one of the best officers I had, or could wish to have; absolutely sound and reliable. On three occasions I have recommended him for the Military Cross, since I took over this brigade. If anyone ever deserved it he did. His name is also in for reward in the Birthday Honours List. I only hope that he may receive what he has merited so well before. We laid him to rest at midnight to-night. The C. of E. Padre said the service. He is buried in the Military Cemetery on the south side of the Gouchey Valley at Carency. Will you please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss, which is ours also.''
Original publication
Citation details
'Russell, John (Jack) (?–1917)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/russell-john-jack-885/text886, accessed 9 May 2025.
John Russell, n.d.
from Pastoral Review, 16 July 1917