OSB Mike Blyth (SH 56-61) has asked if we will publicise an urgent request for help to petition to preserve the home of one of the school’s three Victoria Cross winners. He writes as follows:
Dr John Fox Russell VC MC, a most celebrated OSB, was born in Plas Alltran, an architectural masterpiece standing like a silent sentinel at the entrance to Holyhead Ferry Port, Anglesey, North Wales - the second busiest Ferry Port in the UK after Dover. Plas Alltran is unique and was built in 1891 for Dr William Fox Russell, John’s father. The architect was the notable Arthur Baker. BBC Plas Alltran article may be seen at here. The Friends of Plas Alltran Petition is a request to Anglesey County Council (ACC) to find an initial £25,000 that is needed to kick-start restoration of this unique building and put it to good use in memory of a great hero. At present ACC are unwilling to find this £25,000, which is urgently needed to go with major funding from ACC and the Welsh Government for the complete restoration work. Before full restoration can go ahead later in 2021, the £25000 is urgently needed to arrest the deterioration of this celebrated building, which is at immediate risk from vandalism, arson and a leaking roof. John Fox Russell was born in 1893. He attended Magdalen College Junior School, Oxford and then went as a boarder to St Bees School, Cumbria. At the age of only 16 he started his Medical Studies at the Middlesex Hospital and when World War 1 started he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, then the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and went out to Egypt as a Medical Officer. In The First Battle of Gaza he repeatedly ran out under fire to attend to his wounded and dying comrades. For this he was awarded the Military Cross, the country’s second highest military medal for gallantry. Later at the Battle of Tel-el-Khuwwilfeh in Palestine, Fox Russell again repeatedly ran out under fire to attend to his wounded and dying comrades. This time he himself was shot and tragically killed. For these great acts of courage and selflessness he was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously: our highest military medal for gallantry.  The citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery displayed in action until he was killed. Captain Russell repeatedly went out to attend the wounded under murderous fire from snipers and machine guns, and in many cases, carried them in himself though almost exhausted. He showed the greatest possible degree of valour.” Russell was killed in action on 6th November 1917 and is buried at the Beersheb War Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Army Medical Services Museum, Mytchett, Surrey. See John Fox Russell Wikipedia here.
The Friends of Plas Alltran Committee are: Chairman - Mike Jamison (FRCS and OSB), Vice Chairwoman - Elaine Davey (The Victorian Society, London), Treasurer - Andrew Davidson (CEO Gwynedd Archeological Trust), Secretary - Mike Blyth (OSB).  I have a growing list of Old St Beghians who have written that they would like to see this building restored and put to good use. With their permission this list is headed by two celebrated Old St Beghians: Stuart Lancaster, Senior Coach Leinster Rugby Club, and former England Rugby Union Team Coach (FN/AC 80-88) and Mike Jamison FRCS, Surgeon, Bangor, North Wales (F 61-65). I would be grateful if you could now add your name to this list to make sure Plas Alltran with a Dr John Fox Russell Blue Plaque is restored to its former glory. All on this list will be invited to the official opening and the unveiling of the Blue Plaque in memory of Dr John Fox Russell MC VC. Please send your name to be added to the Petition as soon as possible to: Mike Blyth, Secretary, Friends of Plas Alltran, 59 Mill Lodge Estate, Llandegfan, Anglesey, LL59 5YB, Wales. Many thanks, Mike Blyth (SH 56-61).

 

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