Russell took over command of the New Zealand and Australian Division in November 1915, from Godley, who became commander of ANZAC. Sir Ian Hamilton, commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, had come to view Russell as 'the outstanding New Zealander on the (Gallipoli) peninsula'. On 8 November 1915 he was created Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George and promoted to major general. A month later, Russell had overall command for the final 48 hours of the highly successful evacuation of ANZAC from the Gallipoli peninsula.