OLD CAMPAIGNER PASSES ON: LATE MR. JAS. CAMPBELL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22817, 11 December 1948, Page 6

OLD CAMPAIGNER PASSES ON: LATE MR. JAS. CAMPBELL

Through Mr. J. V. Scott, members of the South African War Veterans Association in Gisborne have heard with deep regret of the death in Auckland of Mr. James Campbell, formerly of the Seaforth Highlanders and an old campaigner with an outstanding record of service. Mr. Campbell lived in Gisborne for many years after his arrival in New Zealand and was a member of the executive of the S A.V. Association until he left to take up residence in Auckland 1G years ago. Born in the highlands of Scotland 81 years ago, Mr Campbell enlisted at an early age with the 72nd Foot Regiment, which later became the Ist Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders He saw much service in India, includ ing the Chitral campaign and was present at Dargai where Piper Findlater won the Victoria Cross during the storming of the heights, a battle incident which Piper Findlater rendered historic by his piping of “The Cock of the North” ns the troops went forward under heavy fire. Early Veldt Engagements.

On the outbreak of the Boer War, Mr. Campbell was drafted with his regiment to South Africa and took part in all the early veldt engagements, including that at Magerfontein, where the Seaforths suffered heavy casualties. On the termination of the South African War he look his discharge and eventually came to the Dominion, settling in Gisborne for many years He was employed on the waterfront, and was a member of the S.A.V. Association from its inception in this district in 1919, becoming an executive member later. About Hi years ago he was accepted as a resident of the Veterans’ Home in Auckland, where he lived until a year ago, when a gradual failing in iiis health led to his admission to the Cornwall Hospital. He nevertheless continued to enjoy a fair amount of activity and it was only within the last few weeks that he became incapacitated, gradually sinking until his death yesterday. Mr. Campbell had no relatives in Ihe Dominion, but one son resident in Detroit, US.A,, survives. Mr. Camp bell held the Indian General Service Medal and the Queen’s and King’s Medals for South African service. During the First World War he served with the Samoan Relief Force.