Sydney Russell
In 1911 he was a plumber's assistant.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Sydney, known as 'Dan', was the son of Edward Russell and his wife Mary Ann nee Champney.
Edward was born in Berkhempstead in about 1849. Mary Ann was born in 1858 (O/N/D Wells) in Somerset, the daughter of Walter Champney, a labourer, and his wife Jane. Mary Ann was baptised at Godney, Somerset, on 31 October 1858.
In 1881 Mary Ann (22) was a domestic servant in the household of Albert Armitage, a butcher, and his wife Penelope, at 1 Robin Hood Chase, Nottingham.
Edward and Mary Ann (31) were probably married on 13 January 1890 at St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, Westminster, London. They had at least three children: Ernest Edward birth registered 1891 (J/F/M Nottingham) and probably baptised at Burnham on Sea, Somerset, on 4 February 1893), Florence May b. 1892 (J/A/S Nottingham) and Sydney birth registered 1895 (J/F/M Nottingham). All three children were born in Nottingham.
In 1891 Edward (42) and Mary (32) were living at 32 Caroline Street, Nottingham, with their two-year old son, Ernest, and Sarah Champney (16) who was described as a servant but was probably one of Mary's relatives.
The family had moved to 100 Abbotsford Street, Nottingham, by 1901. Edward and Mary now had three children, Ernest (10), Florence (8) and Sydney (6).
In 1911 Edward (62) was living 42 Raglan Street, Nottingham; he was described as a basket hamper maker. Mary was not in the household on the night of the census but as her name appears in the family's notice in the local paper in 1917 on the anniversary of Ernest's death she was probably away from home temporarily. All three children were in the house on the night of the census: Ernest (20) a clerk with AR Atkey & Sons, Florence (18) a lace joiner, and Sydney (16) a plumber's assistant.
His brother Ernest served with the 1/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (3132 Lance Corporal) and died of wounds received in action on 7 July 1916 (Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery).
The family was still living at 42 Raglan Street in 1918 at the time of Sydney's death.
His father Edward probably died in 1933 (June Nottingham) aged 84 and his mother Mary Ann probably died in 1937 (December Nottingham) aged 79.
Private Sydney Russell enlisted at Nottingham, he served with the 2/4th battalion, West Riding Regiment he was killed in action on 20th July 1918 and is buried in Marfaux British Cemetery (ll.E.1).
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father Edward was his legatee.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 7 July 1917: ‘Russell. In loving memory of Ernest E Russell, Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds July 7th, 1916. Ever in our thoughts. Mother, father, Sis [sister Florence May], Syd, and Edie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 27 August 1918: ‘Russell. Killed in action, July 20th, Lce-Cpl. Sydney (Dan) Russell, Duke of Wellingtons, the beloved son of Mr and Mrs Russell, 42 Raglan-street, Nottingham’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 7 July 1919: ‘Russell. In loving memory of our dear sons, Lance-Cpl. EE Russell, Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds July 7th, 1916. Also Pte S Russell (Dan) Duke of Wellington’s, killed in action July 20th, 1918. Ever remembered. Mother, father, Sis [sister, Florence May], and Edie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
His brother Private Ernest Edward Russell served in the Territorial Force for four years before war broke out.
He attested on 19 October 1914 at the age of 23 and 8 months, and transferred to the Army Reserve on 19 October and then to the Imperial Service (1/7th Battalion) on 10 November 1914. He was appointed unpaid lance corporal on 1 February 1916, but to paid lance corporal on 21 February 1916.
He received a gunshot wound to the right thigh on 4 July 1916 and died of his wounds at the 20th Casualty Clearing Station on 7 July. He is buried in Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery (grave ref. 1.G.1).
He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Photo of Sydney Russell
Marfaux British Cemetery, France