Lorne MacLaine Campbell
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Lorne MacLaine Campbell VC, DSO & Bar, OBE (July 22, 1902 - May 25, 1991) was a Scottish 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.
He was the son of Colonel I.M. Campbell, CBE, TD, of Airds, and was schooled at Dulwich College in South London between 1915 and 1921 as was his uncle and fellow recipient of the Victoria Cross, Vice-Admiral Gordon Campbell VC. Between 1921 and 1925 he attended Merton College, Oxford, where he was President of the J.C.R. and of the Myrmidon Club and graduated with a second class degree in Literae Humaniores.
He was 40 years old, and a temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the 7th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's), British Army, Commander during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC (currently displayed at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum).
On 6 April 1943 at Wadi Akarit, Tunisia, the battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Campbell had to break through an enemy minefield and anti-tank ditch in order to form a bridgehead. The battalion formed up in darkness and then attacked at an angle. This difficult operation was successfully completed and at least 600 prisoners taken. Next day the position was subjected to heavy and continuous bombardment and although the colonel was wounded, his personality dominated the battlefield. Under his inspiring leadership the attacks were repulsed and the bridgehead held. He later achieved the rank of Brigadier.
In 1935 he married Amy M.J. Campbell, by whom he had two sons.
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
