Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Horace Wakefield Livingston Russell and Ivy Elsie Russell, of Barmera, South Australia.

Lieut. Colin Russell.
Presumed Killed
Lieut. Colin Neil Russell (RAN), son of Lieut. and Mrs. H. W. L. Russell, of Barmera, formerly of Paruna, who was reported missing, presumed killed on HMAS Australia, entered Flinders Naval College in January 1937 at the age of 13, as cadet-midshipman. He graduated in December 1940, and was posted to HMAS Canberra as midshipman. He saw first action when the Canberra and Leander sank the German supply ship Coburg and captured the tanker "Ket Brovig", liberating a number of Norwegian and Chinese who had been taken prisoners. In November 1941 Lieut. Russell was transferred to the RN and posted to the Kipling in the Mediterranean, which was on convoy.

Lieut. Russell worked between Malta, Tobruk and Alexandra. He was after transferred to HMAS Valiant, and promoted to sub-lieut. He later trained in Scotland for 4 months, for  combined sea and air operations, and then took part in the first landing in Sicily and Italy when he was in charge of a flotilla of landing craft LCM. Recalled to England  Lieut.  Russell was again posted to the RAN, making his homeward journey via America. After three months on HMAS Warranunga he was transferred to HMAS Australia. Lieut. Russell made a hobby of pencil drawing and water colours, and his parents have several excellent works executed by him. A brother of Lieut. Russell, Sgt.-Pilot Malcolm, is in the RAAF,  and a sister, Phyllis, is in the WAAAF. Lieut. H. W. L. Russell (the late officers father) who is in a garrison battalion, served throughout the last war.

Captain's Condolences
Capt. J. Armstrong, of HMAS Australia, has written Lieut. and Mrs. Russell as follows: "I wish to convey to you and your family my sincerest sympathy for your son who is missing  and must be presumed killed in action at Singapore Gulf in the Philippines. Colin was at his action station about 6 p.m. on January 5, and we were under air attack at the time. He was directing the fire of his guns at the enemy when we were hit just where he was standing. He must have been killed instantly and would have known nothing about it.

A memorial service with full naval honours was held on our return to non-operational Waters on Sunday January 14. I realize only too well what a great loss it must be to you. He  gave his life for his country and the world's freedom and no man can do more. Knowing how much officers and men miss their shipmates I do extend to you their deepest  sympathy and mine."