Given that next year will mark the anniversary of the ending of the First World War, it has been suggested that we print tributes to the three OSB winners of the Victoria Cross in this and the next two issues. The first of these appears below. By doing this, we do not in any way wish to diminish the contribution and sacrifice made by all those former members of the school who served their country at that time.
Capt. J. Fox-Russell, V.C., M.C.
Capt. J. Fox-Russell, V.C., M.C., was killed in action in Palestine on November 6, 1917. At an early age, he passed the examination for a Choristership at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was educated for a few years before coming to St Bees. When at school he was an enthusiastic member of the Cadet Corps. He joined the Middlesex Hospital when only sixteen years of age.
While in London he was a member of the London University O.T.C., and in 1914 obtained a commission in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and was with them in camp when war was declared. Being anxious to qualify, he was seconded in order to complete his medical studies. After obtaining his degrees, he joined the R.A.M.C., and was attached to a battery of the Royal Field Artillery. Later he re-joined his old regiment and went out to Egypt as Medical Officer. In the first battle of Gaza he won the Military Cross. He was also awarded the Victoria Cross ‘for most conspicuous bravery displayed in action. Until he was killed, he repeatedly went out to attend the wounded under murderous fire from snipers and machine-guns, and in many cases, when no other means were at hand, carried them in himself, although almost exhausted. He showed the greatest possible degree of valour’.
	St Bees School Chapel’s V.C. Memorial
With thanks to the St Bees Parish Council website (with slight omissions and expansions) www.stbees.org.uk.

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk