Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

U Battery, XVI Army Brigade (RHA), British Expeditionary Force (BEF), British Army

Awarded on:

June 3rd, 1919

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

4th Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 7th Support Group, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 1st, 1941

Citation (general):
"For distinguished services in the Middle East during the period August, 1939, to November, 1940."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

4th Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 7th Support Group, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 1st, 1941

Awarded for:

Operation Compass

Citation (general):
"In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East, during the period August 1939 to November 1940."
Recommendation:
"During August-September '40 this officer commanded harassing parties of tanks and guns on five occasions and inflicted considerable loss on the enemy. On 14-16 September, during the withdrawal from BUQ BUQ to SIDI BARRANI he commanded 16 guns of his Regiment and despite difficult conditions and intense heat successfully controlled the fire and inflicted heavy loss on the enemy, showing great energy and endurance. Whenever in action he has set a splendid example of disregard for his own safety."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

4th Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 4th Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1941

"During the operations against the enemy lines of communication west of BARDIA on 14th December 1940 Lt. Col. CAMPBELL was temporarily combining the duties of 2nd in command of the 4th Armoured Brigade and C.R.A. It became necessary for certain urgent instructions regarding the Artillery programme to be given to the forward elements. Lt. Col. Campbell went forward with these instructions. In the performance of these duties, in an open truck, he encountered no fewer than 17 bomber and 24 fighter attacks in the course of the day. These including several severe attacks on the guns causing casualties but his immediate presence was a source of encouragement and inspiration, and his example contributed largely to the cool and steady manner in which these attacks were met and dealt with. Lt. Col. CAMPBELL showed throughout the day a complete disregard of his personal safety. His devotion to duty and gallant conduct was an example of the highest order."

Second DSO awarded as a bar.
WO 373/17/69

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

HQ, 7th Support Group, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

HQ, 7th Support Group, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Crusader

Citation:
"In recognition of most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Sidi Rezegh on the 21st and 22nd November, 1941.
On the 21st November Brigadier Campbell was commanding the troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area of Sidi Rezegh ridge and the aerodrome. His small force holding this important ground was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of tanks and infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest he was to be seen with his forward troops, either on his feet or in his open car. In this car he carried out several reconnaissances for counter-attacks by his tanks, whose senior officers had all become casualties early in the day. Standing in his car with a blue flag, this officer personally formed up tanks under close and intense fire from all natures of enemy weapons.
On the following day the enemy attacks were intensified and again Brigadier Campbell was always in the forefront of the heaviest fighting, encouraging his troops, staging counter-attacks with his remaining tanks and personally controlling the fire of his guns. On two occasions he himself manned a gun to re-place casualties. During the final enemy attack on the 22nd November he was wounded, but continued most actively in the foremost positions, controlling the fire of batteries which inflicted heavy losses on enemy tanks at point blank range, and finally acted as loader to one of the guns himself.
Throughout these two days his magnificent example and his utter disregard of personal danger were an inspiration to his men and to all who saw him. His brilliant leadership was the direct cause of the very heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy. In spite of his wound he refused to be evacuated and remained with his command, where his outstanding bravery and consistent determination had a marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of those under him."

Brigadier Campbell’s Victoria Cross is on public display at the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich, Great Britain.
Later promoted to the rank of Major General.
Killed in action on 26 February 1942, Libya.

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)