Military leader to be honoured with bronze sculpture

A bronze sculpture of Hawke’s Bay born WW1 military leader, Major General Sir Andrew Russell is to stand in Hastings Civic Square.

The sculpture has been commissioned following a $60,000 grant from the Lottery Grants Board. A further $9,950 grant from the Lottery Fund will go towards the 2015 Anzac Day Services at Civic Square, which will be enhanced in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the landing of New Zealand forces at Gallipoli. The grants come from the Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage fund.

Major General Sir Andrew Hamilton Russell (1868 – 1960) is one of the New Zealand’s most prominent military figures. His gallant leadership of New Zealand forces at Gallipoli led to his appointment as commander of the NZ division in France. This was a position he held with distinction for the remainder of WW1. The sculpture will preserve the heritage and memory of this local identity, while an information board will be erected alongside the sculpture to tell his story.

Hastings Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “Sir Andrew Russell is one of the districts most prominent war heroes and this is a most appropriate way to honour his memory. It will be a lasting tribute to a man who gave distinguished service at Gallipoli and in other theatres of war during WW1.”

Cynthia Bowers says “Sir Andrew continued his pre-war association with the region when he returned from military service to farm Tuna Nui Station, at the foot of the Kaweka Ranges at Sherenden in Hastings District. He was also an influential figure during the early years of the Returned Services Association.”

Philida Russell speaking on behalf of the family says “The family is delighted that New Zealand based artist Margriet Windhausen has been commissioned to cast the statue. She has experience in creating historical figures for placement in civic spaces, with one of her most recent sculptures being Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton who stands in Hamilton’s Civic Square.”

Sir Andrew Russell will be cast in a standing pose, wearing a military uniform. Planning is underway to have the sculpture unveiled during the ANZAC Day services in Civic Square on Saturday 25 April 2015.

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