Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Hohenzollern Redoubt, September 1915’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private J. W. Campbell, 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, who was later commissioned Second Lieutenant and died of wounds received at the battle of Bethune in April 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9262 Pte. J. W. Campbell. 7/Sea: Hdrs.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9262 Pte. J. Campbell. 2/Sea: Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. Campbell.) nearly extremely fine (4) £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915:

‘For conspicuous bravery on the 26th of September, 1915, at Hohenzollern Redoubt. By his perfect example of coolness, bravery and devotion to duty under very heavy fire, he was instrumental in rallying the line when several units were mixed up with his own regiment. Later, under very heavy fire, he got on to the parapet and called to the men to stand firm. His gallantry and example contributed to the steadiness of all ranks.’

The 7th Seaforth Highlanders took part in the battle of Loos as part of the 26th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. On 24 September it entered the front line trenches east of Vermelles, ‘immediately opposite the Hohenzollern Redoubt’. Then, on 25 September 1915 the 7th Seaforths attacked and captured the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8. They remained in action until 28 September 1915.

John William Campbell was born in Glasgow on 5 July 1890. He enlisted into the Seaforth Highlanders in October 1905, giving his age as 18 years 2 months when, in fact, he was just over 15 years old. In June 1912, he was discharged to Section “B” Army Reserve and went on to become a police officer at Methil, Fifeshire. He was recalled to the Colours on 5 August 1914, and posted to his old battalion, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders. He embarked at Southampton on 22 August 1914, bound for France and served with the 2nd Battalion until gassed near St Julien on 2 May 1915, and invalided to England. Having been posted to the 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, he returned to France on 12 August 1915. Following his distinguished conduct at the Hohenzollern Redoubt he was promoted to Acting Corporal on 3 October, and quickly promoted to Sergeant on 30 October 1915, becoming Company Sergeant-Major on 8 December 1915. In April 1917 he returned to the U.K. ‘with a view to a commission’ and, following a course with No. 16 Officer Cadet Battalion at Rhyl, was appointed to a commission as Second Lieutenant on 29 August 1917, and posted to the 4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. By April 1918 he was serving with his old battalion, 2nd Seaforths, and was mortally wounded near Bethune on 18 April and died of his wounds two days later. He is buried in Pernes British Cemetery.

Sold with original War Office letter, dated 14 May 1918, informing his mother of his burial place, and two copies of the Memorial Card with small photograph ‘In Loving Memory of My Dear Son 2nd Lieut. John W. Campbell, D.C.M. 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, who was wounded on 18th April and died on 20th April, 1918, in France, Aged 28 Years’, produced by Craig of Coatbridge; together with copied research including Attestation and Officers’ papers, and War Diary extracts for September 1915 and April 1918.