Many people have helped me through the long gestation of the Russell story. First and foremost were John and Phillida Russell, the present owners of Tunanui. Their willingness to open their family archives to me, and their ongoing hospitality, are what made this biography possible. Military historian Dr Ian McGibbon gave me much sound advice and support over the ten years the book took to complete. Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Kinloch lent me an early manuscript of his Echoes of Gallipoli, Stephen Clarke, executive director of the NZRSA, his unpublished history of the association, and Hilary Haylock material relating to her father’s service on the Western Front.
Published authors John McGibbon, Redmer Yska and Graham Langton provided advice and helpful comments on draft manuscripts. The childhood memories of Rachel Russell, Mary Cave, Carol Marie, Tom Lowry and Nan Simcox helped me create a picture of the complex personality and family man that was Guy Russell. The professionalism and friendly support of the staff of the Defence Library, in particular Carolyn Carr, Katrina Willoughby, Mary Slatter and Joan Keate, were of great assistance, as they have been to many another military historian. To all of these, and to my lovely partner, Barb Freeman, for her outstanding editorial and IT skills, my grateful thanks.