Russel completed his schooling at Prince Alfred College (PAC), Adelaide after his father became headmaster there in the early 1930s.
[1] At PAC Ward was a busy student, serving as prefect and on numerous committees including debating, rowing, christian union, cadets and historical society of which he was president.
[2] Ward studied English at the University of Adelaide and taught at Geelong and Sydney Grammar Schools.
Ward's book was both influential and controversial and is grouped among the classic historical references on Australia history.
[6][7] In the 1986 Queen's Birthday honours Ward was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for "service to literature, particularly in the field of Australian history".