Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (370 Corpl: C. Campbell. S.A.C.) minor contact marks, good very fine £140-180

Colin Campbell was born in 1871 and served with 'E' Division, South African Constabulary. He was killed in action at Kalklaagte, near Petrusberg, on 16 July 1901 (also entitled to South Africa 1901 clasp). The Wigtownshire Free Press of 25 July 1901 reports the following:

‘Much regret was occasioned in Stranraer on Saturday when it transpired that a telegraph had been received intimating that Corporal Colin Campbell of Baden-Powell's South African Police, had been killed in action with the Boers in South Africa. The details that have transpired indicate that a party of the Eastern Division of the Constabulary were ambushed at Kalklaagte, near Petrusberg, on Tuesday of last week, with the result that Corporal Campbell and another member (Constable Molyneux) were killed, a third (Constable Laing) dangerously wounded, and seventeen others taken prisoners. Corporal Campbell was a son of the late Patrick Campbell of Belmont, Stranraer, and married a daughter of Mr Hugh Adair, solicitor, Stranraer, who had been residing in the town for some time, and for whom deepest sympathy is expressed in her untimely bereavement. Corporal Campbell joined Baden-Powell's Constabulary on their formation. He is the second member of the family who has met his death in the current war, the first being Sergt. Patrick Campbell, of the Imperial Yeomanry, husband of the famous stage and film actress, Mrs. Patrick Campbell (née Beatrice Stella Tanner), known as “Mrs Pat”. We understand that a third son, Charles, is still with the forces in South Africa.
Sergeant Patrick Campbell was killed in a “white flag” action at Boshof, when he went forward to within 30 yards of the enemy to take surrender of the Boers who had raised the white flag and was “shot right through the head”. The Boer culprit was then handed over to Lord Chesham and shot on the spot. The Campbell family were known to Dr Jameson, of Jameson's Raider's fame and Patrick Campbell is known to have received a civil appointment in Mashonaland from Dr Jameson.‘

Campbell is commemorated on his father's memorial in Sheuchan Cemetery, Stranraer. His probate record notes that he was residing prior to his service in South Africa at 63, St Saviour's Road, Croydon, Surrey.