Maj.Gen. John Charles "Jock" Campbell VC, DSO, MC.
British Army General Staff
from:Northampton
(d.26th Feb 1942)
John Charles Campbell died on the 26th of February 1942 aged 48 whilst Commanding 7th Armoured Division and is buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt. He was the son of D. A. Campbell and Marion Campbell; husband of Rosamond E. Campbell of Northampton.
The following particulars are given in The London Gazette, of 30th January, 1942: "In recognition of most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Sidi Rezegh, in Libya. On 21st November 1941 Brigadier Campbell was commanding a small force holding important ground in the area of Sidi Rezegh Ridge and Aerodrome. The force was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of tanks and infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest Brigadier Campbell was to be seen with his forward troops either on foot or in an open car. In this car he carried out several reconnaissances for counter attacks and formed up tanks, under close and intense fire. The following day the enemy attacks were intensified. Brigadier Campbell was always in the forefront of the heaviest fighting, encouraging his troops, staging counter-attacks and personally controlling the fire of his guns. During the final enemy onslaught he was wounded but continued most actively in the foremost positions, controlling the fire of batteries which inflicted heavy losses on enemy tanks at close range. 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."
