Nelson Russell

Brigadier Nelson Russell, (7 July 1897 − 20 October 1971) was a British Army officer who served in both world wars. Russell represented Ireland in both cricket and field hockey. He also played for Lisburn Cricket Club and Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

Early life and family Russell's father was Nelson Russell of Lisburn. He was educated at Campbell College, Belfast. In 1926, he married Edith, also from Lisburn; the couple had no children. and took command of the 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade, commanding it in Britain, North Africa, Sicily, and Italy from July 1942 until February 1944. That month saw Russell being declared unfit to continue to command the brigade, relinquishing control to Brigadier Thomas "Pat" Scott, also of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. During the period in North Africa from 1942 to 1943, he also took command of the ad hoc Y Division during the fighting in North Africa. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1943, during the Tunisian campaign, and was subsequently mentioned in despatches whilst in Sicily and Italy. Distinguished Service Order (5 August 1943)