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Campbell, John

Service number:
866797
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Stanley John Campbell, known as ‘Jock’, came from Edinburgh, Scotland, and saw service during the Second World War as a Bombardier with the Royal Artillery, and took part in the Normandy campaign serving with ‘G’ Troop, ‘Z’ Battery, 21st Anti Tank Regiment.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Bombardier
Unit:
21st Anti Tank Regiment, Guards Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
December 21st, 1944
Recommendation:
"On the evening of 4th August 1944 Bombardier Campbell, who was 2-in-command and layer on a 17 pounder Anti-Tank gun, gave his No.1 all possible help in getting his gun forward under fire to consolidate the position about Maisoncelle 7139, captured by the Scots Guards Company attached 3rd Irish Guards. At 0100 hours 5th August, the position was attacked by enemy infantry with tanks. Acting as loader to Lance Sergeant Harris, Bombardier Campbell gave him every possible assistance. As the leading enemy tank approached their position, Lance Sergeant Harris played on and with his first shot scored a direct hit. This shot, however, revealed their position and the two following tanks immediately opened fire on them at close range. Lance Sergeant Harris laid on each of these in turn, firing one round at each tank, scoring direct hits which caused both tanks to burst into flames. Bombardier Campbell then continued to engage the enemy with small arms fire. A few hours later these two NCO’s scored a hit on one of six other enemy tanks which approached their position, and caused the others to disperse. Throughout the night, Bombardier Campbell showed the greatest bravery and enterprise though under fire from enemy tanks at 100 yards range. The very able assistance he gave Lance Sergeant Harris and the splendid team work of these two NCOs on the gun, played a very large part in preventing the Scots Guards’ company from being overrun."
Military Medal (MM)

Sources

Photo