Charles was the younger son of Archibald George Blomefield Russell, and his wife Janet Frances Kerr. A.G.B. Russell was an art historian who had been educated at Christ Church. He was Lancaster Herald, College of Arms, from 1922 until 1954 when he became Clarenceux King of Arms. He died in 1955. His wife died in 1962.
Charles was educated at Eton like his father and elder brother. He Matriculated in 1938 and was up at Christ Church for one year.
He was gazetted to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers on 29 April 1941. He was a Major when he died of wounds in Burma on 24 February 1945. He is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery Plot 28. G. 20.
He was awarded the Military Cross which was gazetted after his death.
His brother was killed on 31 January 1941 during the battle for Singapore.