Colonel Guy Hamilton Russell filling in his game book while on a hunting expedition, 1930 (c)

Photograph, India, North West Frontier, 1930 (c).

Guy Hamilton Russell (1882-1958) was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1902. Promoted to major in 1917, he was in command of the South Waziristan Militia at Wana when the 3rd Afghan War (1919) began. The Militia subsequently mutinied and Russell and 300 loyal men had to fight their way to safety from Wana to Fort Sandeman via Mir Ali Khel between 26-30 May 1919. During their epic retreat they sustained 40 men killed and wounded. Of the eight British officers, five were killed and two (including Russell) were wounded. Russell was awarded the DSO for his leadership during the retreat. He was later promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1926 and colonel in 1931. That year he was appointed Inspecting Officer of the Frontier Militia, a post he held until 1935.

From 10 photographs showing military life on the North West Frontier, India, 1900 (c)-1930 (c). Collected by Colonel G H Russell, relating to 12th Frontier Force Rifles, Waziristan Militia and 126th Baluchistan Infantry.