| Campbell | John | | Captain | CAMPBELL, JOHN EDWARD ROBERT, Major and Honourable Lieutenant Colonel, was born 20 July 1855, the eldest son of George Campbell, of Duntroon, New South Wales, and Marrianne Collinson, only daughter of E C Close, formerly Lieutenant, 48th Regiment of Foot. He was educated privately, and at Jesus College, Cambridge, and entered the Militia, becoming Lieutenant 6 December 1876. He was promoted Captain 19 January 1884, and Major 8 May 1895. He served in the South African War, 1900-1; was appointed Commandant, Prisoners of War, on board the City of Cambridge, at Simon's Town; but on the prisoners being sent to St Helena, he rejoined his battalion, and proceeded with it to the scene of operations in the Orange Free State. He was appointed Commandant at Sanna's Post, and continued to hold that appointment until ordered to bring his battalion back to England. He was mentioned in Despatches; awarded the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John Edward Robert Campbell, Major and Honourable Lieutenant Colonel, 6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 11 December 1902; retired with honorary rank of Colonel in 1903. Colonel Campbell was a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for Herefordshire. He was appointed Military Representative, and subsequently National Service Representative, for the Leominster Rural District of Herefordshire, during the Great War, 1914-18, and received the thanks of the respective authorities for his services. He married, in 1881, Helen, youngest daughter of Richard Spooner, HEICS; they had two sons: Donald Neil (Lieutenant, RASC, MT), and George Cecil (Captain, Royal Engineers), and one daughter, Winifred Helen.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Queen's Own) Cameron Highlanders |
