World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Thurso, Scotland, he was nicknamed Jock and served as a Brigadier General in command of the 7th Armored Division Support Group, British Army. On the dates of November 21-22, 1941, Brigadier Campbell was commanding the troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area of Sidi Rezegh, Egypt. His small force was holding this important ground when it was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of enemy German tanks and infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest, he was seen with his forward troops, either on foot or in his open command car. Even when the enemy attacks were intensified, 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 replace casualties and on the day of the final enemy attack, he was wounded, but continued to be most active in the foremost positions. In spite of his wound, he refused to be evacuated, remaining with his command and had a marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of his men. For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on January 30, 1942. In February 1942 he was promoted Major General and was killed three weeks later when his jeep overturned in actions near Halfaya, North Africa.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Thurso, Scotland, he was nicknamed Jock and served as a Brigadier General in command of the 7th Armored Division Support Group, British Army. On the dates of November 21-22, 1941, Brigadier Campbell was commanding the troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area of Sidi Rezegh, Egypt. His small force was holding this important ground when it was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of enemy German tanks and infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest, he was seen with his forward troops, either on foot or in his open command car. Even when the enemy attacks were intensified, 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 replace casualties and on the day of the final enemy attack, he was wounded, but continued to be most active in the foremost positions. In spite of his wound, he refused to be evacuated, remaining with his command and had a marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of his men. For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on January 30, 1942. In February 1942 he was promoted Major General and was killed three weeks later when his jeep overturned in actions near Halfaya, North Africa.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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