Lieutenant-Colonel David E C Russell

David Edward Charles Russell was born on 8 April 1923 and initially served ‘in the ranks’ for 233 days before being granted an emergency commission, as a Second Lieutenant, in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in March 1943. He was promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant 6 September 1943 and then transferred to The Parachute Regiment in December 1943.

He attended parachute course 99 at RAF Ringway, from 19 January to 3 February 1944. His instructors’ comments on the course records note “Excellent worker, asset to section, highly recommended”. This was a long course of eight descents, including two day balloon jumps, one night balloon jump and five aircraft jumps to provide re-enforcements to the 1st Airborne Division. Upon completion he was posted to the 2nd Parachute Battalion at Stoke Rochford, Lincolnshire and took over command of 7 Platoon, C Company.

It was as the Platoon Commander of 7 Platoon that he parachuted onto DZ X near Heelsum on Sunday 17 September 1944 as part of Operation Market-Garden. He was taken prisoner on Monday 18 September and sent to Oflag 79.

After release from the PoW Camp he continued to serve in the Army.

Lt Col Russell was appointed President of the Arnhem Veterans Club 1944 and led the commemorations to Arnhem in 2012.

He passed away in March 2013.