History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

Fred Russell was born about 1882 in Bromley Kent and for some years like his father, he worked as a bricklayer. Then in 1900 Fred joined the Royal Engineers and rose through the ranks. He received his commission as Second Lieutenant in 1917, for meritorious service on the field of battle. Russell said he commanded the first wireless signal park in Baghdad. He was promoted to Captain and commanded 3,000 Turkish troops in 1919. He spoke several languages including Arabic and Hindustani and retired as a Captain from the Army in 1921.  Newspaper photo of Captain Fred Russell in 1934 We don’t know why or exactly when Russell became a domestic servant employment agent. In 1929 he advertised ‘The Home for Maids’ at ‘Holmdale Lodge’, No.18 Holmdale Road West Hampstead and an employment agency for domestic servants at 122 Kilburn High Road, above Alexander The Tailors, near the corner with Quex Road. Russell also offered, in return for a fee, training to operate an employment ag...