2431 Pte David Russell, 1/6th Duke of Wellingtons (West Riding) Regiment.
Born in Burnley in 1887, David was living on Albert Street, Skipton when he enlisted into his local territorial battalion - the 6th Duke of Wellingtons. Arriving in France on 14 April 1915, he took part in the Battle of Aubers Ridge and, on 19 December 1915, was subjected to the first Phosgene gas attack.
In 1916 he saw heavy involvement in the Somme battle from July through to October. It was here, whilst in support trenches at Bienvillers, that David was severely wounded and evacuated to the base hospital near Etaples where he died on 14 October. He is still buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
14 October 1916
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
