On the 23rd November, he was taking part in cloud formation flying practice with Sgt. L. J. Burke when they entered low cloud and flew into the side of Titsey Hill near Woldingham.
David Malyon Russell was the son of John and Beatrice Hawes Russell. He left behind a wife, Violet Ada Russell (nee Surridge), of Manurewa, Auckland.
Raymond Arthur Holmwood was the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) officer to assume command of an RAF squadron during World War II.
