The Forgotten General

He was conscious of the awesome responsibility that he held: he could destroy New Zealand's future with the loss of its manhood, and yet he could take it back to New Zealand feeling that they have achieved something to be proud of.

– Chris Pugsley, in the documentary

He always thought in terms of what was good for his country and for the generation of New Zealanders that he commanded. He took the same risks as his soldiers and knew their capabilities. Under his leadership the New Zealand Division grew in professionalism. Its survival and outstanding success on the western front was his achievement.

– Dr Chris Pugsley, Dictionary of New Zealand Biography entry on Russell

We all grew up hearing about the likes of Lieutenant General [Bernard] Freyberg, but never of Russell. I read about him and just thought his story was intriguing and worth putting on film. He was constantly wanting to fight ... but he was an incredibly humane man. He very quickly realised the cost of war and he realised how he had to reduce the cost of war.

– Director Karl Zohrab, NZ Herald, 19 April 2013