Award of the Military Cross
to
Major Gordon Pearse Russell, 21st May, 1943.

Citation
    On 26 April 1943 Major Russell led three troops of “B” Squdron which supported 5 Buffs in the successful assault on the Djebel Rhar. In the course of this action Major Russell’s squadron captured over 50 prisoners and one 88 m.m. antitank gun and successfully dealt with 7 machin-gun nests.
   Major Russell handled his squadron with great initiative and skill and directed his troops very cleverly. The support which he afforded to 5 Buffs was magnificent and has been very much appreciated by that Regiment whose Commanding Officer has stated that every possible assistance was afforded him.
   I consider that Major Russell’s leadership was extraordinarily good. At the outset of the operation he had several tank casualties and while the advance was in progress he successfully re-organized his force on the move. Towards the end of the operation he himself moved to a position to outflank the northern side of the Rhar, a move which led to the successful conclusion of the operation.
   Major Russell’s leadership, coolness and clever appreciation of ground materially helped in the success of a difficult operation. His quick and decisive orders on the wireless were extremely well executed and undoubtedly gave his squadron the greatest possible confidence. The operation was conducted under considerable shell and mortar fire.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel D, Dawnay, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsed by
Brigadier R. H. Maxwell, Commander 25th Tank Brigade.

Approved by
Lieutenant-General K. Anderson, General Officer Commander-in-Chief, 1st Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 36083 Date: 8.7.1943 Page: 3087.
which view.

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