RUSSELL, Douglas Alexander

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
North Staffordshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
112957
P.O.W. number: 
4092
Honours & Awards: 
Douglas Russell MC 6 Commando
Second Lieutenant Douglas Russell was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant conduct in action with the enemy. He was serving with with the North Staffordshire Regiment as part of the British Expeditionary Force in Belgium in 1940 [1][1a].
Citation
During operations on the River Dyle and south-east of Roubaix 2/Lt Russell acted with conspicuous gallantry. On the 16th May during a withdrawal from the River Dyle, this officer was in command of a rear party.
Despite the fact that his position was very exposed, under continuous close range enemy fire and at one period practically surrounded by the enemy 2/Lt Russell held the position for exactly the period ordered and then successfully withdrew his party. On 24th May this officer with his platoon carried out a highly successful patrol well in advance of our line east of Roubaix. 2/Lt Russell on this occasion remained out from 20:00 hrs on 24th May until mid-day on 25th May during which time he successfully beat off an enemy patrol, killing two, bringing in one prisoner, and some very valuable information.
Throughout these two operations 2/Lt Russell acted with coolness and determination of the highest order [1a].
  • 31 December 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant [2].
  • 1 July 1941 promoted Lieutenant [3].
  • Prisoner of War (No.6 Commando) imprisoned Oflag 7B [4][4a].
  • 1 July 1946 (North Staffs.) promoted Captain [5].
  • 31 December 1952 (North Staffs.) promoted Major [6].
Sources
[1] London  Gazette 35020, page 7198.
[1a] Colin Russell (son).
[2] London Gazette 34766, page 67.
[3] London Gazette 35207, page 3810.
[4] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
[4a] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archies file WO417/9.
[5] London Gazette 37635, page 3379.
[6] London Gazette 39729, page 6820.
[Image] Colin Russell (son).
 

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