Gordon Campbell, VC
Gordon Campbell (VC, DSO & 2 Bars, Croix de Guerre avec Palmes and Legion d'Honneur (France)) 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. He was 31 years old, and a Commander in the Royal Navy during the First World War when the following deed 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 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. He later achieved the rank of Vice-Admiral.
ReferenceMonuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)VCs of the First World War - The Naval VCs (Stephen Snelling, 2002)
External linksLocation of grave and VC medal (Hampshire) This page has been from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
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