Dates: 1901 - 1916

HMS Russell commissioned at Chatham Dockyard on 19 February 1903 for service in the Mediterranean Fleet, in which she served until April 1904. On 7 April 1904 she recommissioned for service in the Home Fleet.

When the Home Fleet became the Channel Fleet in January 1905, she became a Channel Fleet unit. She transferred to the Atlantic Fleet in February 1907. On 16 July 1908, she collided with cruiser HMS Venus off Quebec, but suffered only minor damage.

After the conclusion of the Dardanelles Campaign, Russell stayed on in the eastern Mediterranean. She was steaming off Malta early on the morning of 27 April 1916 when she struck two mines that had been laid by the German submarine U-73.

A fire broke out in the after part of the ship and the order to abandon ship was passed; after an explosion near the after 12-inch (305-mm) turret, she took on a dangerous list.

However, she sank slowly, allowing most of her crew to escape. A total of 27 officers and 98 ratings were lost.[31] John H. D. Cunningham served aboard her at the time and survived her sinking; he would one day become First Sea Lord.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Russell

" The Holy Ground by Dermot O’Brien. Didn’t make the charts but was Derry Squadron "HMS Russell" anthem. Last edited by Anthony Hardy"

Click For More

---

"Just a quick note to the friends i had while serving on HMS Russell. Do you remenber Paddy the only seaman with a bunk in the ROS mess ,well if any of you are still alive give a return e-mail I am still around and livng in Southern Ireland."

Click For More

View your bookmarks