Stuart Russell - Wewelsburg

[Max Williams]

It is with deep regret that I discovered today that Stuart Russell died suddenly last June. He was a good friend of not only the SS research fraternity, but also of myself personally for many years. I have been a guest in his and Michaela's house in Wewelsburg village several times and I had spoken to him by telephone only weeks before his unexpected death. Although not in weekly contact, we collaborated on numerous issues surrounding the history of the SS and Wewelsburg Castle in particular.
A Yorkshireman by birth, Stuart first discovered Wewelsburg whilst serving in Germany in the British army. His love of the castle and its history led to his meeting and marrying a local girl with whom he raised a family, now thankfully grown up. Living in the village, his knowledge of the castle and local area was unsurpassed and he never failed to share it with serious researchers of the era. He authored several books, in particular Himmlers Burg which he wrote in German and then translated into an updated English version, Himmler's Camelot, and also Frontsoldat Hitler, the story of Hitler's service in WW1. He advised on countless TV documentaries and factual films and was a history consultant to many media companies.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to Michaela and the girls. Stuart will be sadly missed.
Max Williams.

[Michael Miller]

Dear Max~

A very moving and eloquent tribute to the late Mr. Russell. I am sorry for your loss of a friend and for the research community's loss of a fine and accomplished historian.

Sincerely yours,
~ Mike

[Max Williams]

Mike,
Thank you for these kind words. Stuart's unexpected death and my belated discovery of such has affected me quite dramatically. I'm not sure if people realise what an asset he was to the study of the SS. Although his specialist subject was Wewelsburg, he was a true scholar of Third Reich history. He has left a chasm which I doubt will ever be filled in our lifetime. What a pity that such a relatively young man should be snatched away before he could impart the majority of his knowledge. He was working on the death of Heinrich Himmler for the past few years and he was one of the few historians who had gained the confidence and respect of numerous surviving witnesses from the Third Reich era. Alas, we will now never reap the benefits of his endeavours.
Max.

[Ljotrulf]

I heard from a friend in the Netherlands that Stuart had died but he did not say what the circumstances were - I did not really know him but do recall that he was most helpful and friendly when I wrote to him about Wewelsburg prior to a trip there. In any case, a tragedy because of his relatively young age. His books about Wewelsburg (particularly Himmler's Camelot) will remain as a testament to his scholarly research.

[John P. Moore]

Stuart Russell's death was reported in the September 2006 HIAG Mitteilungsblatt. The comments there were very positive about him. He died from a heart attack. My son and I received a personal tour of Wewelsburg from him and Jost Schneider in October 1996.

There is a very detailed thread of 18+ pages on WAF where you can see many photos with interesting comments here

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/ ... rt+Russell

John

[Max Williams]

Thank you John.