Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain T. Russell, Royal Scots

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed; British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) mounted for wear, good very fine (3) £750-850

M.C. London Gazette 14 February 1919; citation 30 July 1919. ‘Lt. (A./Capt.) Thomas Russell, 5th Bn. R. Scots, T.F., attd. 5/6th Bn.’ ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on Sequehart on October 1st, 1918. He led his men brilliantly and when his company was held up by four enemy machine guns, he personally organised and led a party against them, capturing the gun and scuppering the gun teams. During the enemy counter-attack which ensued, when the left flank of his company was exposed, he showed great resource and gallantry in controlling his men. He personally led a patrol to recover part of his company which was cut off, during which performance he was surrounded and had to fight his way through the enemy’.

Thomas Russell was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant with the 5th Battalion Royal Scots on 17 February 1915. He was appointed a Temporary Captain in January 1916, promoted a Lieutenant in July 1917 and an Acting Captain with the 6th Battalion in August 1918. Served in France/Flanders, 31 January 1917-9 October 1918. In addition to the British War and Victory Medals, he was awarded the Silver War Badge. His address after the war was 7 Abercorn Terrace, Portobello, Edinburgh. With copied research and photograph. Note: one other with this name and rank in the Army List 1918.