Medal group awarded to Colonel Guy Hamilton Russell, South Waziristan Scouts, 1914-1945

Russell's medals include the Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Allied Victory Medal 1914-19 with oak leaf for Mention in Despatches, Indian General Service Medal 1908-35 with clasps for Afghanistan NWF 1919 and Waziristan 1921-24, Defence Medal 1939-45 and the French Croix de Guerre 1914-18 with palm.

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 Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership during the retreat.

In 1923 Russell received the Order of the Indian Empire, Badge of a Companion. 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.