Remembering Today 20/1/40 Marine W.A.Russell PLY/X 214 Royal Marines H.M.S. Exeter. Awards: C G M

RUSSELL, WILFRED AUBREY

Rank:

Marine

Service No:

PLY/X 214

Date of Death:

20/01/1940

Age:

32

Regiment/Service:

Royal Marines



H.M.S. Exeter.

Awards:

C G M

Grave Reference

Sec. L. Grave 1155.

Cemetery

STANLEY CEMETERY, FALKLAND ISLANDS

Additional Information:
Son of Charles Henry and Jessie Elizabeth Russell; husband of Gwendoline Ivy Maud Russell, of North Hill, Plymouth.
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2259516/RUSSELL,%20WILFRED%20AUBREY

 

During the Battle of the River Plate on 13 December 1939 HMS Exeter was badly damaged and had to withdraw to the Falkland Islands for temporary repairs. These lasted until January 1940, after which the ship returned to Devonport Dockyard for full repairs which took until March 1941 to complete.
http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1186.html

 

Exeter, heavy cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
RUSSELL, Wilfred A, Marine, PLY/X 214, DOW
http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-01JAN.htm



Full story of the great day is told in pictures on page 5, the middle pages and the back page.
The King decorated the officers and men of the cruisers Ajax and Exeter. Cheers were hushed as his Majesty presented to Mrs. Russell, widow of Marine W. A. Russell, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. Russell died of wounds after the battle.
(Picture Centre)
Mrs. Russell wearing the medal awarded her husband. The Queen is holding the hand of Mrs, Russell's little daughter.
Mrs. W. Russell, widow of the marine who died in action with both arms shot off, was given the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal won by her husband. The King shook hands with her and spoke to her.


http://www.pada.ca/books/page/?id=675&view=text&