James Cosmo Russell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Elder son of the Rev. H. C. Russell, of Wollaton Rectory, Notts. His mother was Hon Mrs Leila Louisa Millicent Russell, the daughter of Henry Willoughby, 8th Baron Middleton of Middleton. His father was rector of St Leonard's from 1876-1922. He had six siblings, Leila Eliza (b. 1876), Alexander Cosmo (b. Sept 1877, d. Oct 1877), Thomas Wentworth (b. 1878), Marjorie Violet (b. 1881), Olive Isobel (b. 1882) and Sheila (b. 1886). He married Mary Catherine Clements on 8 June 1916; she remarried 23 September 1919 (Lt Col CF Meares).
Secondary regiment: Cameron Highlanders, attd Cdg 6th Bn. He gained the rank of major in the Indian Army. Buried Brandhoek New Military Cemetery (grave ref III.A.3)
Memorial window and tablet St Leonard's church (WMA 27285). The two light window depicting St Michael and St George was designed and executed by Christopher Whall. Inscription on tablet: 'This window is erected to the Glory of God and in ever most loving memory of Lt Col James Cosmo Russell DSO 9th Hodsons Horse IA attached to and commanding 6th Battn QO Cameron Highlanders killed in action near Ypres July 31 1917.' Nottingham Evening Post 4th August 1917: “KILLED. J. C. RUSSELL, D.S.O. News has been received that Lieut,-Col. James Cosmo Russell, elder son of the Rev. H. C. Russell, rector of Wollaton, Nottingham, has been killed in action in France. Russell had been in the army since 1899. For a period he served with the 4tn Hussars, and then joining the Indian army he was appointed to the 9th Hodson's Horse. He was promoted captain in May, 1908, and received his majority in November, 1915. He journeyed with the Indian contingent to France, and was appointed to the command of the Cameron Highlanders, being gazetted lieutenant-colonel in March of last year. At the beginning of this year he was made a companion of the Distinguished Service Order. He was married whilst on leave as recently as June in last year to Miss Mary Katherine Clements, only daughter of the Rev. E. M. Clements, rector of Barkston. Grantham. The deceased officer’s brother is also in the army, on service in Egypt.” Article courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
