Harry Butt Russell – Royal Marine Artillery, Howitzer Brigade

Gunner Harry Butt Russell – Royal Marine Artillery, Howitzer Brigade

Harry Benjamin Russell and Ada Elizabeth Thomas
marriage certificate
St Mary’s Church, Swansea

Harry Butt Russell was born in 1895 in Swansea, the son of Harry Benjamin Russell and Ada Elizabeth Thomas, who were married in 1890 at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

Family Background

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Russell family were living at 78 St Helens Road, Swansea. Harry’s father, Harry Russell, aged 32 and born in Brighton, was employed as a butcher. His wife Ada E. Russell, aged 38 and born in Worcester, completed the household.

Their children were Dorothy A. M. (8) and Bert H. B. (7). Also present in the household was Ada’s sister Alice M. Thomas (28).

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 81 St Helens Road, Swansea. Harry B. Russell (44) continued to work as a butcher, while his wife Ada E. (48) managed the household.

Their children were Dorothy A. M. (18) and Harry B. (16), both employed as assistants. Also present was Ada’s sister Alice M. Thomas (38), who was employed as a bookkeeper.

Military Service

Service Papers

Harry’s service papers have survived and record that in February 1916 he enlisted at Bristol to serve with the Royal Marine Artillery, Howitzer Brigade. He initially enlisted as a Private and was later promoted to Gunner, 2^nd Class.

Royal Marine Artillery, Howitzer Brigade – 1918

By 1918, the Royal Marine Artillery Howitzer Brigade was serving on the Western Front during a critical phase of the war. The brigade was equipped with heavy and medium howitzers, providing essential artillery support to British and Allied infantry formations. Its roles included bombardment of enemy positions, counter-battery fire, the destruction of trenches and fortified strongpoints, and support for both defensive actions and limited offensive operations.

During July 1918, artillery units were operating under intense pressure following the German Spring Offensives earlier in the year. Batteries were frequently required to redeploy at short notice, often under fire, to meet changing tactical demands. Gun positions were regularly targeted by enemy artillery, aerial bombing, and gas shelling, making service in the Howitzer Brigade particularly hazardous.

The brigade was actively engaged in providing fire support in sectors including the Ypres Salient, as the British Army sought to stabilise the front and prepare for renewed Allied offensives. Casualties during this period were common, often caused by shell splinters, blast injuries, gas exposure, and exhaustion. Wounded men were evacuated to casualty clearing stations and base hospitals behind the lines, including those at Lijssenthoek.

It was during this period of sustained artillery operations that Gunner Harry Butt Russell was wounded.

Death and Burial

Harry Butt Russell
Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
credit - findagrave

Gunner Harry Butt Russell died of his wounds on 10^th July 1918. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, one of the principal burial grounds for Commonwealth soldiers who died in hospitals serving the Ypres Salient.