The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

David McNay

Posting this as a query rather than a non-comm, but it may need to be moved if it ticks all the right boxes.

Another man on the Rothesay memorial book. Named on the Rothesay memorial as Driver Donald Russell, RGA. Died 1917. The book expands and says "Died of wounds received in action in France, 29th December 1917"

Obviously CWGC has no matches for that date. The only possible match is:

RUSSELL, DONALD

Rank: Bombardier
Service No: 93557
Date of Death: 08/04/1918
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery, 46th Bde.
Grave Reference: 35.
Cemetery: BLANGY-TRONVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

I am inclined to rule this man out, as the details are more out than normal. SDGW links this man to Greenock, which is not impossible, but I think it unlikely.

Here's where it gets complicated.

I have found a service record for a Donald Russell, No. 2391, Bute Mountain Battery, RGA. Born in Rothesay, he seems to be correct...HOWEVER. This man was discharged as unfit for service in 1915, due to illness contracted on service. His pension record clearly states cause of illness was directly related to war service.

I have searched Scotlandspeople for deaths on Bute in 1917 and there is one match...but I have no credits remaining to check if it is the same man.

Could a kind soul perhaps have a look for me and if they can, could they send me a copy of the death certificate? Depending on the cause of death (and I can match him using the address details from the pension record) we might have a case of non-commemoration that could be submitted.

Theletterwriter · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 45 Location: East Kilbride

David

Donald Russell's date of death is recorded as 29 December 1916. Cause of death was Phthisis. He was a ploughman but is also recorded as being no. 2391 Gunner, Bute Mountain Battery RGA. He died at 3 Stuart Street, Rothesay. His parents were William and Margaret m.s. Clark.

Let me know if you want a printed copy from Scotlands People.

Douglas

David McNay · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 8:52 pm Post subject:

Douglas,

Yes, please send me a copy of the death certificate. Email address is david_mcnay@btinternet.com

The cause of death is also the cause of his discharge, which is confirmed on his service record as being cause by his service, so I think this warrants a case being put forward for commemoration by the CWGC. I will compile the necessary documentation and submit it to them.

David McNay · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 8:55 pm Post subject:

Picture of Douglas Russell from the Rothesay and Bute memorial album:

David McNay · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:57 pm Post subject:

Argyll and Bute Council have now confirmed his burial location. That was the last piece of documentation I required before submitting my case.

David McNay · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 6:16 am Post subject:

Donald Russell has now been added to the CWGC Register. (He was added in August but I didn't receive any confirmation of this, and only checked again recently)

RUSSELL, DONALD

Rank:Private
Service No:2391
Date of Death:29/12/1916
Age:20
Regiment/Service:Royal Garrison Artillery 4th Highland Mountain Bde.
Panel Reference:
Memorial:UNITED KINGDOM BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
Additional Information:Son of Margaret Russell of Rothesay, Bute.

I resume the burial location will be amended as this was confirmed in my application.

spoons · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 8:27 am Post subject:

well done David

\Paul

jrah60 · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 3:35 pm Post subject:

Well done!

John

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 3:00 pm Post subject:

CWGC have now got to the stage of appealing for relatives.
http://www.cwgc.org/media/516437/nok_may_2016.pdf
75452009
2391
RUSSELL
DONALD
29/12/1916
Royal Garrison Artillery
Private
ROTHESAY CEMETERY
Sec L Lair 677
CEM00383
_________________
Ken