News & Events

23 July 2018

Hawke's Bay Branch lunch - Deeds of an outstanding Hawke’s Bay soldier recalled in documentary

Hawke's Bay Branch lunch - Deeds of an outstanding Hawke’s Bay soldier recalled in documentary

On a Sunday in early July, more than 90 members, friends and guests of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the New Zealand Founders Society were treated to a luncheon at the Hastings Racecourse, followed by a documentary film.

‘The Forgotten General’ documentary outlined the major military achievements in World War I of Major General Sir Andrew Russell, of Hawke’s Bay. It seemed fitting to view it this year, 2018, which marks the centenary of the end of World War I.

An introduction to the film which traced the General’s early life in Hawke’s Bay was given by a family relative, Phillida Russell. His great grandson, Andrew Russell, was also present.

The film portrayed a determined, efficient and high-achieving man who shone in military matters. He graduated as top cadet of Sandhurst, before serving with the British army in India and Burma in the late 1800s.

The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade was formed under his command and served gallantly at Gallipoli.

At Gallipoli he led his men from the front line and earned high praise for his decision making and a style of leadership which showed great concern for their welfare. In December 1915, he commanded the evacuation of the ANZAC rear guard group of 20,000 men from Gallipoli, with no lives lost.   

For his outstanding command abilities he was knighted and made Major General, and in 1916, given command of the New Zealand Division which was sent to fight in France and Belgium. Against enormous odds, the kiwis under his command fought bravely and well in the major battles of the Somme, Passchendaele and Messines.

In the final week of WWI, the New Zealand 3rd Rifle Brigade, under the command of Major General Russell, carried out a daring pre-dawn assault to free the northern French town of Le Quesnoy from German occupation.

Under early morning darkness, the kiwis used ladders to access the walled town and secured the surrender of 1000 German troops who had occupied the area for four years. In sparing the use of heavy artillery and bombardment, the town remained intact and there were no civilian lives lost.

As a result, the town to this day honours New Zealand with a Garden of Remembrance and other memorials and street names dedicated to New Zealand. Le Quesnoy also enjoys a vibrant and active ‘sister city’ relationship with the town of Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand.

Photos:

Major General Sir Andrew Russell KCMG

Statue of Major General Sir Andrew Russell in Russell Street, Hastings.

Memorial plaque on the town wall of Le Quesnoy, France, depicting the New Zealand action on 4 November 1918, which freed the town from German occupation.

From left, Phillida Russell, Andrew Russell, great grandson of Major General Russell, and Paddy Bayley, national president of the New Zealand Founders Society. 
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