James Henry Russell

Story:
James Henry Russell was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 2nd December 1885 and baptised at Holy Trinity Church on 21st January 1886, the son of Mark Russell and Mary Ann Russell (née Fry).   He lived his early life in and around the area and by 1911 the family home was at 13 Coppice Street, Shaftesbury.  He enlisted and joined the Royal Engineers as a Sapper (Service No. 71198).  He served with the Lines of Communication Signal Services in France and Flanders. Following his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War medals.  He married Gwendolyne Gladys Irene Alldritt at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Shefford, Bedfordshire, in 1920.  They went on to have four children.  By the 1921 Census he was living at Kirkby Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, based at the Woking Post Office and by the 1939 Register had moved to 157 York Road, Woking, Surrey, working as a GPO Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist.  His death was recorded on 15th December 1950 at Woking, Surrey.