John Cecil Russell.

About John Cecil Russell

Major-General John Cecil Russell was a British Army cavalry officer. While studying at New College, Oxford, Russell served in the university's Rifle Volunteer Corps. He purchased a commission in the 11th Light Dragoons in 1860 and almost immediately transferred to the 10th Light Dragoons. Russell rose to the rank of captain by purchase before transferring to the 12th Royal Regiment of Lancers in 1872. Russell served with Major-General Garnet Wolseley in the 1873–1874 Anglo-Ashanti War and was considered a member of the Wolseley ring of men associated with the general. In 1875 he was appointed an equerry in waiting to Edward, Prince of Wales, and became an extra equerry in 1878.