Plaque 1
RUSSELL RESERVE
William Russell
William Russell was born on the 13th August 1892 in the town of Iford near Mudgee NSW, son of William and Gertrude Russell. William was a resident of Kellyville on enlistment on the 28th August 1915, the same day as his brother Arthur. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces as a Private, Service No. 4300. He joined the 1st Battalion, 13th Reinforcement on the 20th December 1915. The 1st Battallion embarked for overseas service on the HMAT A 60 AENAES, arriving in Egypt early February 1916. On the 16th February 1916 he was allotted to the 54th Battalion.
Moving to France in June 1916, the 54th Battalion was part of the 14th Brigade in the 5th Division. The Division took part in the Battle of Fromelles on the 19th July 1916. The 54th Battalion suffered 65% casualties and William was wounded. His brother Arthur was killed in the same action. William was evacuated to Englad for healing and recovery.
After recovering, William rejoined the 54th Battalion in France in the Somme Valley. William was promoted to Sergeant on the 17th of May and took part in the 3rd battle at Ypres which began on the 31st of July 1917. On the eve of the battle of Polygon Wood on the 25th September 1917, William was killed in action. William has no knowjnn grave. His name though is listed on the menin Gate at Ypres with others who lie in unknown graves in Belgium.
Arthur Russell
Arthur Russell was born on the 14th October in the town of Illford near Mudgee, NSW, son of William and Gertrude Russell. Arthur was a resident of Kellyville on enlistment on the 28th August 1915, the same day as his borhter William. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces as a Private, Service No. 4299. He joine the 1st Battalion, 13th Reinforcement on the 20th December 1915. The 1st Battalion embraked for overseas service on the HMAST A 60 AENAES, arriving in Egypt early February 916. On the 16th February 1916 he was allotted to the 54th Battalion.
Moving to France in June 1916, the 54th battalion was part of the 14th Brigade in the 5th Division. The Division took part in the Battle of Fromelles on the 19th July 1916. The 54th Battalion suffered 65% casualities and Arthur Russell was killed in action on the 19th or 20th July 1916 and had no known grave. His brother William was wounded in the same action.
From DNA supplied by a relative in Australia, a body recovered from a mass grave at Fromelles was identified as Pte A Russell. His remains were reinterred with full Military Honours at the Pheasant Wood Cemetery at Fromelles, France on the 19th July 2011.
LEST WE FORGET
Plaque 2
This memorial is erected in special remembrance of brothers William and Arthur Russell who were killed in WWI.
Together with all the Australian men and women from every branch of our defence forces and the Merchant Navy, who have served this great country in time of war.
[Rotary International logo] Rotary Club of Vinegar Hill Centenary of Anzac 2015 [RSL Australia logo]