TNAG-0827-FCO40-1035-Dependent-Territories-Senior-Appointments-Board--1979-1979 — Page 113

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

INDIV

MR THOMAS RUSSELL CBE

ANNEX H

He

Mr Russell was born on 27 May 1920 and educated at Hawick High School and St Andrew's University. He joined the Black Watch in 1940 and was commissioned into the Cameronians in 1941. He transferred to the Parachute Regiment in 1943 and was wounded and taken prisoner while serving in Italy the following year. He was demobilised in 1946 in the rank of temporary Captain.

During 1946-47 he was on the first Devonshire Course at Cambridge and also obtained a Diploma in Anthropology. joined the Colonial Service in 1948 and was sent to the British Solomon Islands Protectorate where he served as District Officer until being seconded to the Secretariat of the Western Pacific High Commission in 1951 as Assistant Secretary (Personnel). In 1953 he became Assistant Secretary (Finance) and the following year District Commissioner, Malaita, BSIP. He was promoted to Administrative Officer Class A in 1956 and attached to the Colonial Office (Finance Department) during 1957. On his return to BSIP he became Senior Assistant Secretary (Finance), but after eight months moved to be Senior Assistant Secretary (Personnel). He acted as Secretary for Protectorate Affairs during 1960 and was appointed Deputy Financial Secretary, WPHC, in 1962. He acted as Financial Secretary in 1963 and again in 1964 before being substantively appointed to the post in 1965. In 1970 he was promoted to Chief Secretary, WPHC, and remained in that post until appointed to the Governorship of the Cayman Islands in August 1974, which post he still holds.

Mr Russell was awarded the OBE in the Birthday Honours 1963 and the CBE in the Birthday Honours 1970.

He is married with one child.

Mr Russell is a very modest man with, at times, a slightly distant personality. He has a high degree of personal integrity and considerable moral courage and the combination of these with his professional expertise has proved the right blend for the Caymans where he is regarded with respect and affection. Mr Stanley, when AUSS for Dependent Territories, remarked "Mr Russell's unobtrusive performance is nothing short of masterly".

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE INDIV