A rare ‘Iraq 2007’ Q.G.M. group of four awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2, later Captain, B. J. Campbell, Irish Guards, attached 4 Rifles Battlegroup, for saving the lives of a trapped crew of a Warrior armoured vehicle after it had slipped off a narrow bridge and upended into a stream in a high threat area of Basra on 15 June 2007

Queen’s Gallantry Medal, E.II.R. (24772251 WO2 B. J. Campbell. IG ); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24772251 LCPL B J Campbell IG); Iraq 2003-11, 1 clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003 (24772251 WO2 B J Campbell IG); Jubilee 2002, mounted court style as worn, generally very fine (4) £10,000-£12,000

Q.G.M. London Gazette 7 March 2008:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st April to 30th September 2007.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Shortly after deployment out of the [Basra] Palace to cover the extraction route for the convoy on 15 June 2007, one of the Company’s Warrior vehicle toppled off a narrow bridge into a stream in a high threat area. The Warrior came to rest upside down with its crew and dismounts trapped inside and under water. WO2 Campbell who was travelling in a following vehicle immediately dismounted and ran forward to the scene. Displaying extraordinary presence of mind he slid down the steep bank to the Warrior and opened the door using the external door release button. He used all his natural authority and force of character to shake the dismounts in the crew compartment out of their panic and forced them out of the vehicle. Acting calmly and with great ingenuity and resourcefulness WO2 Campbell single-handedly managed to find a way to extricate the turret crew that has not occurred to the experienced Warrior crewmen present and got them out. His rapid and decisive action probably saved the lives of four dismounts and unquestionably two turret crew. Without hesitating and deliberately placing himself into a highly dangerous situation in a dark and flooded vehicle in order to save his men’s lives. His actions were decisive, resourceful and six men owe their lives to his quick thinking and selfless courage.’

The above incident took place in Basra, Iraq, whilst Campbell was attached to the 4 Rifles Battlegroup. Despite Campbell’s heroics in saving the lives of six men, Lance-Corporal J. A. Cartwright of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was tragically killed.

Brendan James Campbell is a native of Blackburn, Lancashire, and was educated at Billinge High School. Having advanced to Warrant Officer Class 2, Campbell was commissioned Captain in the Irish Guards in July 2009. He resigned his commission in August the following year.

1 V.C., 2 G.C’s., 15 C.G.C’s, 18 D.S.O.’s, 84 M.C’s and 24 Q.G.M’s (including 2 bars) were awarded for the Iraq War 2003-2011.

Sold with Commission appointing the recipient as Captain, dated 18 August 2009, and photographic images of recipient in uniform.