Lt "Teddy" Evans and Hilda Russell 1902-1913 - biographical research

Abstract

The research for this project was conducted Online and at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch. Online resources included extensive searches of newspaper in paperspast including The Lyttleton Times, The Christchurch Times, and The Star. References to Hilda's father Mr. T. G. Russell, his family, and children provided fascinating background and established a vivd context. These articles also revealed information about her school and wedding. The school archives were subsequently consulted and provided more useful information. Baden Norris furnished me with a copy of various essential documents including the Marriage Certificate and Board of Trade documents for the crews of Morning and Terra Nova. The Macdonald Dictionary of Canterbury Biographies, the electoral roll, and the Cemetery Database provided details of the Russell family. Pounds biography of Admiral Lord Mountevans and Evans own autobiography completed the picture. As a 21 year old Lt Evans joined the relief ship Morning as second officer. The ship took essential supplies to the British National Antarctic Expedition, joining Discovery in Antarctica. While in New Zealand Evans married Hilda Russell of Christchurch. Her father T. G. Russell had emigrated to Tasmania with his family when he was a child. He and his brother moved to Christchurch in the 1870s. T. G. Russell enjoyed a career as a highly successful barrister and business man. His brother became a journalist and politician, serving in the cabinet in the First World War