Tom Russell has an outstandingly interesting story to tell. From the outset he portrays his life with humour and vigour, from his background and education in Scotland, through to his extensive career in Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service.
His war service, including fifteen months as a prisoner of war, is described in poignant detail, conveying the atmosphere of wartime Germany as well as the many colourful characters he encountered.
Having been appointed to the Colonial Administrative Service, the author describes the post war conditions he found on his first assignment as a District Administrator in the Solomon Islands. Following secondment to the Colonial Office he returned to the Solomons where he undertook various duties in the portfolios of Home Affairs, Personnel Administration and Finance. He was eventually promoted Chief Secretary of the Western Pacific High Commission.
In 1974 he was appointed Governor of the Cayman Islands, a post which he held for seven years. His insight into human nature is put to use as he pays tribute to the high calibre of politicians, civil service and the private sector he encountered during this time, which have led the country to its continuing prosperity. He was to serve a further eighteen years as the Cayman Islands Government Representative in the United Kingdom, completing a career spanning fifty-two years.
Tom Russell has been in the overseas service throughout the whole of the decolonisation process and for the ensuing period when Britain accepted that decolonisation might not be the best solution for the smaller territories for which it remained responsible. He expresses some trenchant views on whether the existing partnership between Britain and the remaining Overseas Territories can last in perpetuity.
Educated at St Andrews and then Cambridge, Tom Russell served in the Second World War between studying at the two universities. Initially serving in the Black Watch, he was then commissioned to the Cameronians and finally transferred to the Parachute Regiment.
He has held a variety of positions in the Colonial Service and Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service and has thirty-four years administrative experience including District Administration and as a Governor in the Caribbean for seven years.
Tom Russell was awarded the OBE in 1963, the CBE in 1970 and the CMG in 1980. He now resides in Melrose, Roxburghshire, enjoys travel and has a holiday home in France.
Review
His understanding of islanders and their ways is manifested time and again throughout the narrative. Lemuel Hurlston, Fromer Chief Secretary, Cayman Islands Government
The book had me laughing out loud..it actually brought a tear as I read the last page.
Ned Seago - former assistant manager Old Vic Theatre
‘His memoirs offer a vivid and well informed insight into colonial administration’
John Smith, Former Governor, Gilbert and Ellice Islands
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