Education
Born on 6 July 1886, he was educated at Dulwich College, which he attended between 1898 and 1900.
Born on 6 July 1886, he was educated at Dulwich College, which he attended between 1898 and 1900.
He then joined the Royal Navy. On 17 February 1917 in the north Atlantic, Commander Campbell, commanding HMS Farnborough (Q5) (one of the "mystery" Q ships) sighted a torpedo track. He altered course and allowed the torpedo to hit Q.5 aft by the engine-room bulkhead.
The "Panic party" got away convincingly, followed by the U-boat.
When the submarine had fully surfaced and was within 100 yards of Q.5—badly damaged and now lying very low in the water—the commander gave the order to fire. Almost all of the 45 shells fired hit the Master of Science U-83 which sank.
Q.5 was taken in tow just in time and was safely beached. On 22 March 1916, another U-boat, Master of Science U-68 was sunk by Farnborough.
Campbell also commanded HMS Dunraven during the action of 8 August 1917 when she was sunk by Master of Science University of California-71.
Victoria Crosses were awarded to two crewmen who were selected by ballot from amongst the crew of Dunraven, Lieutenant Charles George Bonner and Petty Officer Ernest Herbert Pitcher. He commanded the battlecruiser HMS Tiger 1925-1927 and served as Naval Aide-de-Camp to George V 1928-1929. In 1935, however, standing as a National Liberal, he lost his seat.
In the Second World War he re-entered the Royal Navy in the rank of Commander and was responsible for anti-invasion measures around Padstow
Campbell wrote several publications, including the successful My Mystery Ships.
36th United Kingdom Parliament]
In 1931, he was elected as National Member of Parliament for Burnley, defeating the Labour leader, Arthur Henderson.