A Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant J. G. Russell, Royal Naval Volunteer...

A Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant J. G. Russell, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, and killed in action at Passchendaele Ridge on 26 October 1917 Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (S. Lt. J. G. Russell. R.N.V.R.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (3) £1,400-£1,800 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- M.C. London Gazette 7 March 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded and led a successful raid on the enemy’s trenches and secured an important identification. The success of this enterprise was largely due to the good leading, cool courage and determination of this officer.’ John George Russell was born on 5 July 1896, and entered the R.N.V.R. as an Ordinary Seaman in November 1914, when he was drafted to the R.N.D.’s Benbow Battalion. Subsequently embarked for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, he transferred to Howe Battalion in June 1915 and saw action in Gallipoli (entitled to 1914-15 Star). Re-embarked for Marseilles, France in May 1916, he was selected for a commission at the year’s end, when he returned home to attend training courses. Duly appointed a Temporary Sub Lieutenant, he joined Anson Battalion in the Field in August 1917 and was likewise employed at the time of his M.C.-winning exploits in Oppy Wood in the following month. Sadly, however, he was killed in action during the 63rd R.N. Division’s famous attack on Passchendaele Ridge on 26 October 1917, aged 20. The son of John and Eliza Russell, of The Haven, Stockley, Yiewsley, Middlesex, he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.