He fought in the Perak War of 1875-6, and in the Sudan, 1884-5, where he gained a brevet majority.

He was mentioned in despatches for his services and received a brevet majority.

His brevet majority was substantiated on 17 July 1886 and he returned to England in March 1887 to take up a position in Preston.

In 1861 he became captain, and in the Abyssinian expedition of 1867-1868 was a brigade major, being again mentioned in despatches and given a brevet majority.

Russell emerged in 1858 with an excellent record so that on the earliest opportunity he was given a brevet majority.

He was awarded a brevet majority on 31 October 1902 for his South African service.

He briefly returned to regimental duties from 22 January 1872, and on his retirement from the army on 8 June 1872 was granted a brevet majority.

He was then promoted to local lieutenant colonel on 17 October 1931 and awarded a brevet majority on 1 January 1933.

He received a brevet majority in 1935, and was promoted to substantive major in 1936, and brevet lieutenant colonel in 1937.

He was granted a brevet majority on 1 October 1877 which was made substantive on 2 February 1878.