TRIBUTE PAID

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32622, 17 September 1945, Page 5

TRIBUTE PAID

PRIVATE PHIL. CAMPBELL BRILLIANT MUSICIAN FORMER PAEROA RESIDENT A stroke of the most extra ordinary misfortune, brought about the first castualty in the famous Kiwi Concert Party, M.EjF. and that casualty was a former Paeroa boy, Private J. R. (Phil.) Campbell, a brilliant musician, arranger, composer and star trumpeter. The versatility of the party, which not only entertained the men in the line, but also gave frequent performances at the request of the Imperial and American Forces, visiting Florence, Pisa and various other centres, amazed the Americans, who confessed that when it turned on “hot” music, it outclassed the best of the United States performers.

Phil. Campbell "speaking trumpet” and warm personality, together with his fine jnusicianship —almost spark of genius (to quote the leader of the party.)—won him outstanding popularity and friendships wherever he travelled. Several high-rating offers were extended to him for "after this show is over.”

A German shell at Farenza, fragments from which fatally wounded Phil, ended a career which having given so much already, promised still more. It is significant that the whole of the Second New Zealand Division mourned this soldier-musician. Shell Through Roof With four others- of the Kiwi Concert Party, Pte. Campbell and his two brothers, Ptes. George and Lewis (also members), went to a place within range, but not considered dangerous, to entertain members of the Maori BattaTion. They were preparing to play, Phil at the piano, George with his bass, when shells began to land, for the first time in weeks, in daylight. Lewis and the others were in another room. Phil left the piano and stood- near the centre of the room with George and a Maori boy. A shell came through the roof and splinters wounded both IPh.il and the boy, George being slightly stunned by blast. Phi' who did not recover consciousness from the time he was hit, wounded in the stomach and legs, died within a very short time. He was buried earlynext morning. The leader of the party, Capt. Terry Vaughan, writing to Mr and Mrs J. Campbell, Epsom, says: "Apart from my personal feelings which are very deep, I have had expressions of regret and sympathy pouring 'in from all over the Division. As- you know, this is a famous unit over- here, and Phil was a very wellknown part of it. He gave his life while doing a job that he had set out to do—his best service—entertaining others, and how they need it here. General Freyberg asked me to convey to George and Lew, and you, his parents 1 , a message of deep sympathy. I saw him. yesterday and he was very upset by the affair. There had been a heavy casualty list, where previously the risk had been considered almost nil. Perhaps it is a little consoling to reflect that that fine musicianship!—almost spark of genius—which was Phil’s, still burns brightly in your two remaining sons, George and Lew, who are both capable of a ■big future.” Educated In Paeroa Everything possible was done for the brothers in their Heart-breaking loss. . All three were educated at Paeroa District High School and have numerous friends in the district. Music has been their password 'since the days of High School orchestras', Scouts’ Band, Paeroa Orphans’ Club Orchestra, and later, Phil Campbell’s own renowned bands. 'Phil was chosen, an accomplished artist on the trumpet, and included by the Australian showman, Theo Walters, in his Peter Pan Band for its New Zealand season. George also joined, going on toui* to practically every township l in New Zealand, and broadcasting from all Z.B. stations.

With the advent of the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington, Manuel Raymond, formerly conductor at Romano’s and Frascati’s, London, was specially brought out. with some of his star players, to> form the nucleus' of the Exhibition Cabaret Orchestra. Mr Raymond explored every avenue for first-class musicians and the Campbell brothers both secured contracts, each being considered a leading instrumentalist in New Zealand. Since the war, 'Phil andi George served with the <R.N.Z.AJF., until they joined the Kiwi Concert Party on its

second tour, Lewis sailing with them. Paeroa Reunions Apart from their musical talents, these three former Paeroa boys, who grew up in the town, were ambassadors of home in war-torn Italy. Whenever possible a Paeroa High School Old Boys’ Reunion would be held, under all kinds of conditions' too and Phil, always’ brought his trumpet,. “Sweet breath of home,” writes one local boy, “those evenings nourished the soul; and now he has played' his own 1 ‘Last Post’.” In his last letter to an old school friend here, iPte. Campbell describes a small reunion thus: “Brock Shand, Rod, McCorkindale and Arch Davies paid us a visit last night. We had a great old chin-wag and discussed notable doing of our old 'Paeroa High .pals and drank toasts to those who have gone before —Bill Fulton, Merv. Taylor, Merv. McNeil, Jock Brockett, etc. Saw Phil. Barclay too, recently; the Roach sisters, Margaret Dean, Bill Dent, Bob Strong, Joe McKee, Huia Blyth, Jack Dickson, Snowy Hampton, and lots of others you’d know. I’m fortunate in being able to get about, whereas they never meet up with one another and do enjoy any news I gladly give them. We are at present close to the lines, doing two shows a day and l what a reception the boys give us, tired and war-weary though they are. Am hoping to see Ravenna, place of Dante’s exile, on my next leave.” He never saw Ravenna. 'Sleep on great friend. There is death — This is not an end. —H.D.