Gilbert Byng Alwyne Russell
Gilbert Byng Alwyne Russell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | May 28, 1942 (aged 66) |
| Occupation(s) | British army officer, financier |
Gilbert Byng Alwyne Russell (1 June 1875 – 28 May 1942) was a British army officer and financier, residing at Mottisfont.
Background
Russell was born to Lord Arthur Russell and Laura de Peyronnet, whose father was Paul Louis Jules, Viscount of Peyronnet. Among his relatives was the Duke of Bedford. His brothers and sisters included Harold Russell, Flora Russell, Claud Russell, Caroline Russell, and Conrad Russell.
Military career
Commencing his service in the Grenadier Guards as a second lieutenant on 1 December 1897, Russell advanced to the rank of lieutenant by April 1899. He took part in the Mahdist War of 1898, notably at the Battle of Omdurman, receiving both the Queen's Sudan Medal and the Khedive's Sudan Medal (1897). In 1900, he was engaged in the Second Boer War within the Orange Free State, including combat at Biddulphsberg and Wittebergen. After the war concluded in May 1902, he returned to Southampton in July. He eventually attained the rank of Major and also served during World War I.
Banking
In 1917, Russell wed Maud Nelke, daughter of Paul Nelke, who was senior partner at the merchant bank Nelke, Phillips & Bendix. Maud’s grandfather had held the position of Master of the Mint in Frankfurt and Berlin. Following experience with Salomon Brothers, Russell was supported by his father-in-law in founding the merchant banking firm Cull and Company.
The couple maintained residences in Prince's Gate, London, as well as at Heveningham Hall in Suffolk and Stanway House in Gloucestershire. In 1934, Russell acquired Mottisfont. They had two sons: Martin Basil Paul Russell (born 1918) and Raymond Anthony Russell (1922–1964).
After Russell’s passing, his widow ensured that Mottisfont and its grounds were entrusted to the care of the National Trust.