Gordon Campbell (Royal Navy officer)

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Vice-Admiral Gordon Campbell VC, DSO & 2 Bars, Croix de guerre avec Palmes, Legion d'Honneur (January 6, 1886 - July 3, 1953) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Educated at Dulwich College (between 1898 and 1900), he later became a senior officer and politician.

He was 31 years old, and a Commander in the Royal Navy during the First World War when the act took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 17 February 1917 in the north Atlantic, Commander Campbell, commanding HMS Q.5 (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 U-boat which sank. Q.5 was taken in tow just in time and was safely beached.

Campbell also commanded HMS Dunraven during the action of 8 August 1917 when she was sunk by UC-71. Victoria Crosses were rewarded to two crewmen (by ballot) aboard Dunvraven, Lt. Charles George Bonner and Petty Officer Ernest Herbert Pitcher.

Cambell wrote this about the incident:

"It had been a fair and honest fight, and I lost it. Referring to my crew, words cannot express what I am feeling. No one let me down. No one could have done better."

Campbell later achieved the rank of Vice-Admiral. He commanded the battlecruiser HMS Tiger 1925-27 and served as Naval Aide-de-Camp to George V 1928-29. In 1931, he was elected as National Member of Parliament for Burnley, defeating the Labour leader, Arthur Henderson. In 1935, however, standing as a National Liberal, he lost his seat.

Campbell wrote several publications, including the successful My Mystery Ships.

Campbell's brother, Sir Edward Campbell, was also a Member of Parliament.

His Victoria Cross is held at his old school, Dulwich College.