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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 283

A scarce campaign group awarded to Colonel F. D. Russell, 1st Duke of York's Own Lancers (Skinner's Horse), Indian Army, one of 55 British Officers serving in the Indian Army to be awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal; he was also thrice 'mentioned' during his career

India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (Lieutenant Francis Deane Russell 1st Regiment of Bengal Lancers); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (Lieutenant Francis Deane Russell 1st (The Duke of York's Own) Regt of Bengal Lancers); China 1900, no clasp (Bengal Lancers, Skinners Horse); 1914-15 Star (Lt Col F D Russell, 1/Lancers); British War and Victory Medals (Lt Col); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lt Col 1/Lncrs); Delhi Durbar 1911, the first and third with officially re-engraved naming, lacquered, very fine (8)

Provenance:
Spink, April 2003.

Francis Deane Russell was born on 4 July 1873 at London, son of John Thomas Norreys Russell, Barrister, and the great grandson of Francis William Russell, the Liberal MP for Limerick from 1852-71. Young Russell was educated at Reverend Bartholomew's School, Park House, Reading and Winchester College from September 1886-December 1889. He went up to Sandhurst and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 30 August 1893.

He served on the North-West Frontier at Buner and was present at the action at Dargai, and at the capture of the Sampagha Pass, also sharing in the operations in the Bazar Valley from 25-30 December 1897 (Medal & two clasps). Serving in South Africa as a Special Service Officer, Russell qualified for the Q.S.A., one of approximately 55 British Officers in the Indian Army to do so. Major Daniel's Regimental History continues;

'In 1900 a small party was sent with horses for Mounted Infantry to South Africa and remained there on duty throughout the campaign. Captain C. Davis and Lieutenant F. D. Russell also served in South Africa but re-joined the unit in China'.

Skinner's Horse were the first Indian Army unit to be sent to China, making a brilliant charge cutting up the Tartar cavalry, capturing three Standards and some cannons during their march up to Peking. It also made a joint attack with a Cavalry unit of the United States, the first time where forces of India and the United States served together on the battlefield.

Russell married Ina Beatrice Webster, daughter of Rt. Hon. Sir James Parker Deane, Q.C. on 22 August 1909 in London, later leaving for India with Russell's Regiment.

The Regiment was at Meerut when the Great War broke out, part of the 7th (Meerut) Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Indian Cavalry Division. Russell and the Regiment left India for France on 9 December 1914 where they remained until August 1916. Seeing extensive action in many parts of France, the Regiment was richly rewarded with the battle honour 'France and Flanders'. It next went to Mesopotamia as a part of the 7th Meerut Cavalry Brigade Headquarters. Ordered back to India, the Regiment concentrated in Rawalpindi in August 1916 for operations in Afghanistan until 1919. A detachment of the Regiment was tasked to guard the post at Gumboz and hold against the attack by the Marris on 17 February 1918. Russell was thrice 'mentioned' during this period (London Gazette 1 January 1915, 15 June 1916, and 18 May 1920 (Afghanistan), refers).

Appointed Colonel in 1920, he retired in 1922 and died at Black House, West Firle, Lewes, Sussex on 10 July 1936.

His United States Military Order of the Dragon is held by the National Army Museum [NAM1963-11-113, refers].




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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£320