Former England wicketkeeper-batter Jack Russell has added an unexpected chapter to his cricketing legacy: he is now putting a sizeable collection of military medals up for auction. The 62-year-old, who became instantly recognisable during his playing days for his distinctive bucket-style floppy sunhat, has long been known for his interests beyond the boundary rope. Over a career that saw him turn out in 54 Tests and 40 ODIs between 1987 and 1998, Russell accumulated more than 2,300 runs at international level, including a pair of Test centuries, while also contributing with his keeping work through catches and stumpings. But along the way, he also built a private archive of honours and remembrance—one that has now grown to 135 medals ready for sale, with expectations that the whole lot could reach £100,000.
The auction is set to take place later this month, on April 15, with the medals expected to go under the hammer. Russell’s connection to military history began early, and his passion was further recognised when he received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1996. Speaking about how his interest developed, Russell said that while touring with the England team, he would make time to visit nearby battlefields or military sites whenever possible. When he found military graves along the way, he would pay his respects, adding that he found the stories of the men themselves to be the most compelling part of the experience.
Russell explained that he started collecting roughly three decades ago and, at first, he gathered medals across a wide range of regiments. Over time, his focus narrowed, and he devoted his attention to his home-county regiment. His goal became to cover each battalion and as many campaigns as he could, so that the collection would reflect not just names and dates, but the full sweep of service. He said he feels he has come as close as he possibly could to the regiment and its fighting men, and that he now wants to pass the medals on to other collectors—so they can be safeguarded and continue their journey to the next stage.
He also noted that the collection includes pieces from the First World War, including medals tied to the Gloucestershire Regiment, which fought in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. While Russell indicated that collectors often move on to new interests, he framed his decision as a personal turning point, saying that for him it has reached the stage where a change in direction feels right.
For the auction itself, the sale will be handled by auctioneer Oliver Pepys, who described the Gloucestershire Regiment medal group as more than a set of objects. Pepys said Russell’s collection tells the story of a historic infantry regiment and its major actions, but also—more fittingly—the individual narratives of some of the men from the “Glorious Glosters,” whose deeds are what truly keep them remembered.
