Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Biography -
- George Henry Russell -

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, May 10, 1918 Page 1

We regret to record that Pte. George H. Russell, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Russell, Bonchurch, has died at a hospital in France. He was shot through the chest. After being removed to hospital he made progress for a time, but passed away last week. Russell was a member of the St. Boniface Church Choir and a tenor singer of good ability. He was much respected in the village and by all who knew him. The Rector, Rev. J. Seavor, B.D., referred to the matter before his sermon on Sunday. He said that on the previous Sunday he received a message from an Army Chaplain to the effect that their choirman, George Russell, was at the base hospital and going on fairly well. That morning he had another message stating that he had passed away. Another brave Bonchurch lad had made the supreme sacrifice.

Page 2

Private G.H. Russell Dies of Wounds.

News has been received that Pte. G.H. Russell, 2nd Hants Regiment, has died of wounds in a hospital at Boulogne. He was one of the best known young men of Bonchurch, and a man of singular integrity of character. As a member of the Bonchurch choir he will be greatly missed. Russell was a gardener and worked among others for Miss Malcolm Kerr. He went up with the National Reserve in August 1914, and served under Lieut.-Colonel Jolliffe when his company were guarding prisoners on a ship at Portsmouth. He afterwards went to Jersey with the company for the same duty. About 18 months ago he was transferred to the Hants Regiment and subsequently was sent to France. The greatest sympathy is felt for his wife and for his parents and family. The following letters show how he was esteemed in the hospital where he has now unfortunately passed away. The Church of England chaplain attached to the hospital writes as follows: You will have already received the sad news of your husband's death. Please accept my deepest sympathy with you in this great sorrow. I am afraid that the news will have been a great shock to you, as we had been able to send you rather more reassuring news of his condition. But unhappily he became worse on Tuesday and passed away quietly yesterday afternoon. He was conscious until near the end, but not able to make the effort to send any special messages, he asked to have your photograph put in front of him in the early afternoon, and up to the end was wonderfully patient and anxious to get well. I was glad to be able to give him the Holy Communion on Monday. I can imagine just a little what a great loss and grief his death will be to you. May God give you His comfort in the certain hope of the resurrection and of reunion in the life beyond the grave. Mrs. Russell has also received the annexed letter from the Matron of the Hospital: I am very sorry indeed to have to tell you that since writing to you on April 30th about your husband's most grave condition, our worst fears have been realized. Although the sisters and doctors did everything in their power to stimulate your husband's vitality, Private Russell grew weaker, and it was at 7.35 p.m. last night that his spirit peacefully slipped away. Your husband was conscious until the very end and refused to be alarmed about his own condition. When asked if he would like to send a message to you he declared that he was getting on well and he wished you to know that he would soon be with you. I realize how terribly you must feel this blow, and I am very sorry that I can say so little to soften it. I would like you to know how much all the Staff appreciated your husband's pluck throughout his illness and what a genuine sorrow his death has caused them. Your husband's grave will be marked by a small white cross, and tended with care. I hope that the thought of the undying glory of your husband's sacrifice for his country will help you to sustain your courage. Pte. Russell is the fourth member of the local Oddfellows who has made the great sacrifice in the war.

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, May 17, 1918 Page 2

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mrs. G.H. Russell and Mr. and Mrs. G. Russell and family, Bonchurch, desire to return sincere thanks for the many expressions of sympathy they have received in their bereavement.

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, February 9, 1945 Page 2

Bonchurch
DEATH. - Mr. George Russell, a much esteemed old resident, passed away on Tuesday at the home in the village of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. B. Vine. He was 88 years of age and had been bedridden for several years. Mr. Russell was a retired gardener and was for many years employed at East Dene in this capacity. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Saturday) at St. Boniface Church at 2.30 p.m.

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, February 16, 1945 Page 2

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
RUSSELL. - Mr. and Mrs. B. Vine would like to thank all friends for kind enquiries during Mr. Russell's illness, for sympathy expressed and flowers sent to the funeral. They would especially thank Dr. Bassano for his great kindness, and Dr. Williamson for his attendance at the last.

Page 2

Bonchurch
THE LATE MR. G. RUSSELL. - The funeral of Mr. George Russell, who died last week in his 89th year, took place at St. Boniface Church on Saturday afternoon, and was conducted by the Rector (Rev. H. Haworth Coryton). The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. B. Vine (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. G. Russell and Mrs. S. Russell (daughters-in-law), and Mrs. Marsh (grand-daughter). In addition a number of villagers attended the service. Miss Gwladys Williams, L.R.A.M., was at the organ and the hymns sung were "Jesu, Lover of my soul," and "Peace, perfect peace." Many floral tributes were sent. Messrs. D. Day & Son made the arrangements.