Baker Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Baker Creed Russell
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 11 January 1837 Maitland, NSW, Australia |
| Died | 25 November 1911 (aged 74) Folkestone, Kent, UK |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1854–1911 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | 13th Hussars |
| Commands held | Aldershot Cavalry Brigade North Western District Bengal Command Southern District |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny Anglo-Ashanti War Anglo-Zulu War Egyptian War Sekhukhune Wars |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George |
Sir Baker Creed Russell (born January 11, 1837 – died November 25, 1911) was an important officer in the British Army. He was born in Australia. He was known for his bravery and leadership in several major conflicts. These included the Indian Mutiny, the Anglo-Ashanti War, the Anglo-Zulu War, the Sekhukhune Wars, and the Egyptian War.
Contents
A Young Life in Australia
Baker Creed Russell was born in 1837. His birthplace was Ravensworth, near Maitland, New South Wales, in Australia. His father was William Russell, a respected member of the New South Wales government. William Russell had also been a captain in the 73rd Regiment.
Joining the Army
Russell began his military career in the British Army in 1855. He started as a cornet, which was a junior officer rank in cavalry units. He joined a regiment called the Carabiniers.
Early Service and Promotions
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1856. He was present in Meerut during the Indian Mutiny. This was a major uprising against British rule in India. Russell also helped in the chase of Tantya Tope, a leader of the mutiny. He became a captain in 1859.
Moving to the 13th Hussars
In 1862, Russell moved to a new regiment, the 13th Hussars. He later became the commander of this regiment. He was promoted to brevet major in 1865. A brevet rank is a temporary higher rank without higher pay.
Adventures in Africa
In 1873, he joined Sir Garnet Wolseley on the first Ashanti Expedition. This expedition was to the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana. He was promoted to the full rank of major in 1878.
He served again under Wolseley in the Zulu campaign in 1879. He led successful operations against a leader named Sekukuni. For his success, he was given a special award, the KCMG. He also became an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria. This meant he was a personal assistant to the Queen. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1880.
Leading Cavalry in Egypt
In 1882, he commanded the 1st Cavalry Brigade during the Egyptian War. He led a famous night charge at Kassassin. He was also part of the important battle of Tel el-Kebir. After the battle, he marched with his troops to Cairo and helped occupy the city.
Later Commands
Russell became an Inspecting Officer of Auxiliary Cavalry in 1886. He was promoted to major-general in 1889. He then took on several important commands.
Major Leadership Roles
In 1890, he became the General Officer Commanding the Aldershot Cavalry Brigade. This was a very important cavalry unit. In 1895, he commanded the North Western District in Chester. The next year, in 1896, he became Commander-in-Chief of the Bengal Command in India.
He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1897. His final major role was General Officer Commanding the Southern District in Portsmouth in 1898. He was often seen at Southampton Docks. He helped troops embark for South Africa during the early stages of the Anglo-Boer War.
End of a Distinguished Career
Sir Baker Creed Russell passed away on November 25, 1911. He died in Folkestone, Kent, in the United Kingdom.
More Information
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
- Journals of Brigadier General Clarke's column and Colonel Baker-Russell's column, 26 July-17 Aug
