Guy Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Guy Russell
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Vice Admiral Sir Guy Russell, Commander-in-Chief Far East Station, leaves his old flagship HMS Glory in Kure, Japan, September 1951
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| Born | 14 April 1898 St George Hanover Square, London |
| Died | 25 September 1977 (aged 79) Wisborough Green, Sussex |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1911–1958 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Imperial Defence College (1956–58) Far East Fleet (1951–53) Admiral Commanding, Reserves (1949–51) 2nd Cruiser Squadron (1948–49) HMS Duke of York (1943–44) HMS Nelson (1943) HMS Cumberland (1940–41) HMS Protector (1939) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War Korean War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches (3) Order of St. Olav (Norway) |
Admiral Sir Guy Herbrand Edward Russell (1898–1977) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He served in many key roles during his long career. These included leading the Far East Fleet during the Korean War and being the Second Sea Lord. He was known for his smart thinking and kind but direct personality.
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Guy Russell was born in London on April 14, 1898. He was the second son of a noble family. From a young age, he was educated at Stonehouse School.
In 1911, at just 13 years old, Guy joined the Royal Navy. He attended two special naval schools: the Royal Naval College, Osborne and Dartmouth. These schools trained young people to become naval officers.
Serving in World War I
During the First World War, Guy Russell began his sea service. He was a midshipman aboard HMS Implacable. This ship helped with the Dardanelles landings.
Later, he served on HMS Royal Oak during the famous Battle of Jutland. This was a major naval battle. For his service during the war, he was mentioned in official reports. This meant his bravery and good work were recognized.
A Career of Leadership
After the First World War, Russell served on many different types of ships. These included destroyers, cruisers, and battleships. He also worked at training centers on land. He even served on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean.
His hard work and skill led to an early promotion. In 1931, he became a commander. He was known for being able to adapt and come up with new ideas. He also studied at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich.
Leading Big Ships
After his studies, Russell became the executive officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth. This was a very important ship, the flagship of the Mediterranean fleet. He did so well that he was promoted to captain in 1936.
In 1938, he studied at the Imperial Defence College. After this, he helped plan naval operations as Assistant Director of Plans.
World War II and Key Battles
When the Second World War began, Russell took command of HMS Protector. This ship laid nets to protect harbors. Then, he commanded the cruiser HMS Cumberland.
Later, he became a naval officer working with the Governor of Gibraltar and then Malta. He helped lead efforts to defend Malta during a difficult time.
Commanding Famous Battleships
After Malta was relieved, Russell commanded two famous battleships. First, he led HMS Nelson. Then, he took command of HMS Duke of York. This ship was the flagship of the Home Fleet.
Under his command, the Duke of York sank the German battleship Scharnhorst at the Battle of North Cape. This was a huge victory! For this, he received the Distinguished Service Order. He had already been mentioned in dispatches twice during the war.
In 1945, he was promoted to rear admiral. He also received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire award in 1943.
Post-War Service and Retirement
After World War II, Russell returned to the Imperial Defence College. He then commanded the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. In 1951, he was given a very important role. He became the Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet. He was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
He served in the Far East until 1953, helping during the Korean War. In 1952, he was promoted to admiral. When he returned, he became the Second Sea Lord. This role meant he was in charge of naval personnel. He was also made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
From 1956 until his retirement in 1958, he was the Commandant of the Imperial Defence College.
Later Life and Interests
After retiring from the navy, Sir Guy Russell focused on education. He helped train young people at several schools. These included Wellington College and Cranleigh School.
He was also a talented oarsman, like his father. He enjoyed golfing and was a good shot. Sir Guy Russell passed away at his home in Wisborough Green in 1977.
Family Life
In 1939, Guy Russell married Helen Elizabeth Blades. They had two sons and one daughter:
- Dr. James Rowland Russell (1940–2015)
- Oliver Henry Russell (born 1942)
- Margaret Elizabeth Russell (born 1945)
