The AIF Project

Charles Leslie RUSSELL

Regimental number914
Place of birthGeelong Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressAlexander Street, Geelong West, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinAnnie Russell, Alexander Street, Geelong West, Victoria
Enlistment date1 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollRegimental Quartermaster Sergaent
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 24 September 1918
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'From 21st September 1917 to 25th February 1918 he has on several occasions although a Corporal at the time acted as R.Q.M.S. and whilst the battalion has been in occupation of the front line R.Q.M.S. RUSSELL has accompanied limbers to distributing point, in order to hand over rations to carrying parties and although the localities have at times been made almost ........ by enemy shell fire he has at all times fearlessly remained at his post, until the completion of his duties. He was promoted T/R.Q.M.S. on 31st January 1918.' Second description reads: 'During period 22nd September 1917 to 24th February 1918 he has on several occasions, although a Corporal at the time, acted as R.Q.M.S. and whilst the Battalion has been in occupation of the front line R.Q.M.S. RUSSELL has accompanied limbers to distributing points in order to hand over rations to the carrying parties and although the localities have at times been made untenable by enemy shell fire he has at all times fearlessly remained at his post until the completion of his duties.' Third description reads: 'I wish to recommend No. 914 Corporal C.L. RUSSELL for distinction in consideration of his long and excellent service with the Battalion. This Non Commissioned Officer has been with the Battalion since its inception in October 1914 and has served continuously since that time. He was present at the landing on GALLIPOLI with the Battalion on the morning of 26th April. He continued with the Battalion during the fighting at COURTNEY'S POST and took part in the advance on the left of the Peninsula on the night of 6th/7th August, 1915. He was promoted Corporal of the same year on LEMNOS ISLAND. On going back to GALLIPOLI he did most excellent work in the drawing of rations from the beach and conducting mule trains up often under machine gun and shell fire. He served with the Battalion up to the evacuation. Since then he has done splendid work in Egypt and in France under most difficult and trying conditions, and has at all time carried out his work conscientiously and faithfully.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 173
Date: 7 November 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death21 June 1948

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