Harry Butt Russell – Royal Marines, Howitzer Brigade

Gunner 2^nd Class Harry Butt Russell – Royal Marines, Howitzer Brigade

Early Life and Family Background

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

Harry Butt Russell was born in 1894 in Swansea, the son of Harry Benjamin Russell and Ada Elizabeth Thomas, who married in 1890 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the Russell family were living at 78 St. Helen’s Road, Swansea. Harry Benjamin, aged 32 and born in Brighton, was working as a Master Butcher, while his wife Ada Elizabeth, aged 38 and born in Worcestershire, managed the home. Their children were Dorothy A. M. (8) and Bert H. (7). Also living with them was Ada’s sister, Alice E. Thomas (28).

1911 Census

By 1911, the family had moved slightly along the same street to 81 St. Helen’s Road. Harry Benjamin, now 44, continued to work as a Butcher, and Ada Elizabeth, aged 48, remained at home. Their children Dorothy A. (18) and Harry B. (16) were both employed as Assistants, likely helping in the family business. Ada’s sister, Alice E. Thomas (38), was still residing with them.

Service with the Royal Marines

Harry later enlisted in the Royal Marines, serving with the Howitzer Brigade and holding the rank of Gunner 2^nd Class. This specialist artillery formation operated heavy howitzers, providing vital fire support to British and Allied forces on the Western Front.

The Royal Marines Howitzer Brigade in July 1918

By the summer of 1918, the Royal Marines Howitzer Brigade was heavily engaged in artillery operations during the final phase of the First World War. Following the German Spring Offensive, the front remained extremely active, and artillery units were constantly employed in counter‑battery fire, defensive barrages, and supporting infantry positions.

The Brigade operated large-calibre howitzers, capable of firing high‑explosive shells in steep trajectories—ideal for striking enemy trenches, dugouts, and concealed gun positions. Their work was dangerous, as gun crews often operated close to the front lines and were exposed to enemy shellfire, gas attacks, and aerial bombardment.

Around 10^th July 1918, the Brigade was active in the Ypres–Poperinghe sector of Belgium, an area that had endured years of continuous fighting. Although the front was relatively stable, it remained hazardous, with frequent German artillery fire targeting British gun positions. It was during this period of sustained enemy bombardment that Harry Butt Russell was wounded.

He was evacuated to a nearby casualty clearing station, but sadly died from his injuries.

Death and Commemoration

Harry Butt Russell 
Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West‑Vlaanderen, Belgium
credit - findagrave

Gunner 2^nd Class Harry Butt Russell died of wounds on 10^th July 1918. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West‑Vlaanderen, Belgium—a cemetery closely associated with the major casualty clearing stations that treated the wounded brought back from the front.

His grave stands among thousands of others who fell during the final, hard‑fought months of the war