Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant W. Russ, 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry, who was taken prisoner of war, 24 April 1915

Military Medal, G.V.R. (27146 Sjt W. Russ. 15/Can: Inf:) lacquered, with replacement suspension; British War Medal 1914-20 (27146 Sjt. W. Russ. 15-Can. Inf.) generally very fine (2) (2) £180-£220

M.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920.

William Russ was born in Hastings, Sussex in January 1885. He served 12 years in the Royal Navy prior to serving with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry during the Great War. Russ advanced to Sergeant and was taken prisoner of war during Second Ypres operations 24 April 1915, and was interned at Cassell. He was later transferred to Hamelin and interned in Holland 23 March 1918. Russ returned to England, 11 November 1918, and to Canada 22 February 1919. He was discharged ‘Medically Unfit’ 5 July 1919 and awarded the Military Medal 27 January 1920 (POW Gazette). Russ died in April 1968.