John Russell

Second Lieutenant John Bernard Russell was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Early life and enlistment Russell was born on 5 June 1894 in Pictou, Nova Scotia; his mother was Mrs J. S. Russell. When he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 17 May 1915, he was working as a banker. As his mother was then living in Ottawa, and Russell enlisted there, it seems probable Russell was residing with his mother, especially as he was unmarried. He claimed no prior military experience. As was customary for Canadian enlistees, he swore allegiance to King George V.

First World War aerial service Russell became the aircrew on Airco DH.9 bombers of No. 103 Squadron RAF. His first aerial success came at 2030 hours on 4 July 1918, when he was manning the guns in DH.9 number C6150, piloted by Roy Dodds. Russell drove a Pfalz D.III down out of control over La Bassée.

Post War career Little is known of Russell's postwar career. However, it is known that he was transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list on 24 February 1919. It is also known that he died in 1960.

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