Henry Fox Russell was a member of the 1st Holyhead Scout Troop, Wolf Patrol. Following his brother John’s footsteps he went to war, enlisting in the RAF and receiving a gallantry award for his brave actions.
He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 20th August 1914 and joined the 6th Battalion RWF in September 1914 but, as he was too young for active service, he was transferred to the 2/6th battalion RWF. He was promoted Temporary Lieutenant on 22nd April 1915 and then rejoined the 6th Battalion in Egypt on 6th January 1916. He went to Gallipoli and landed at Sulva Bay and was there until the evacuation. He went to Egypt and promoted Lieutenant on 9th May 1916 and Captain on 1st June 1916 and later served in Palestine.
On 2nd March 1917 he was seconded to 64 Squadron RFC. After flight training he was appointed as an Assistant Instructor at Thetford and then went to France with his squadron as a Flight Commander. He had the tail shot off his plane at Bourlon Wood and crashed suffering a severe shaking. Twenty minutes later, another plane of his squadron was shot down and he went out and extracted the pilot (Lieutenant J A V Boddy) from his aircraft showing the same dedication to duty as his elder brother John. The pilot had both legs broken so he carried him to the safety of the British trenches.
On 14th December 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross for the following:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He formed one of a patrol which silenced an enemy battery. He dropped bombs on two of the guns, silenced others with his machine-gun and then engaged transport on the road. This operation was carried out under heavy fire and very difficult weather conditions. On another occasion he dropped bombs and fired 300 rounds on enemy trenches from a height of 100 feet. His machine was then hit by a shell and crashed in front of our advanced position. He reached the front line, and while there saw another of our machines brought down. He went to the assistance of the pilot, who was badly wounded, extricated him under heavy fire and brought him to safety. He showed splendid courage and initiative.
