Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 51 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1943

Recommendation:
This Officer has been actively engaged in Air operations against the enemy since and including the first leaflet rain on the 3rd September 1939. At Boscombe Down, Flight Lieutenant Russell’s crew carried out 11 convoy escort sorties, totalling 52 hours 45 minutes. Since returning from Boscombe Down, this Officer has been on 20 bombing raids over enemy territory, comprising 127 hours 50 minutes. His work has always been thorough and reliable and, though he is only twenty one years of age he leads his crew with an efficiency and enthusiasm which is worthy of praise. During the first attack on the Scharnhorst in Kiel, Flight Lieutenant Russell’s deliberate and accurate leadership resulted in his target being severely knocked about and several fires started. After releasing his bombs at 2,000’, Flight Lieutenant Russell returned and flew over the Scharnhorst’s dry dock less than a 1,000’ in an attempt to see definitely the results of his stick of bombs and to confuse the defences. He was able to see and recognise the gun turrets of the Battleship and in his own words “Had there being any washing hanging out, I would have seen it”.

Second DFC received as bar on the ribbon of the first medal

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

"France & Germany" gesp

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)