Russell, William

Private William Mason Russell

Royal Army Medical Corps

1919 - February 18.

THE three sons of Mr and Mrs Robert Russell, Bavelaw, Peebles, all served with the Colours in France. The eldest - Muir - was at first a despatch rider, and ultimately obtained a commission as Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, being demobilised after the war. The youngest boy, Signaller Charles L. Russell, Royal Scots, was reported missing on the 22nd March 1918. The second son, Private WILLIAM MASON RUSSELL, died at home of pneumonia (after four and a half years' service in the Royal Army Medical Corps), on the 18th February 1919, aged 26 years. He was born on the 1st September 1892, and was educated at Kingsland School and Peebles Burgh and County High School. On leaving school he served his apprenticeship as a designer with D. Ballantyne & Co., March Street Mills, Peebles. When war broke out he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, and trained

in the 54th Field Ambulauce. Private Russell went to France in 1915, and was wounded at Longueval, on the Somme, in July 1916.

He was invalided home, and at the time of his death was an attendant at Dykebar War Hospital, Paisley.

Writing to Private Russell's parents, Captain D. Cuthbert Barron, 54th Field Ambulance, said that Private Russell was liked by all.  He was very enthusiastic and willing in his duties, and was an

example to all his comrades.

Many letters were also received from comrades, saying how much Private Russell was liked, and how he was admired for his fine character and lovable nature.

O mother, mourning for the son who keeps

His last dread watch by unfamiliar streams,

Or for that other, gay of heart, who sleeps

Where Tweed's sweet waters guard his secret dreams,

Amid your tears take comfort for a space:

They showed them worthy of their island race.

Weep not for thy children, O mother,

Wail not for the shortened life.

Let brother not mourn for a brother

Who fell in the foam of the strife.

For Pain we had looked long upon her,

And Danger and Death were as wine;

And Glory is ours, we have won her,

O mother of mine.

Source: The Book of Remembrance for Tweeddale – Peebles Book 2 - Page 332 and 333

Name: RUSSELL, William Mason 

Initials: W M

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps

Date of Death: 18/02/1919

Service No: 38292

Additional information: Son of Robert M. and Helen Russell, of Bayelaw, Peebles.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 146.

Cemetery: PEEBLES CEMETERY