CAMPBELL, Robin Francis

Rank: 
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
Unit / Base: 
8 Commando
'Layforce'
Regiment/Corps: 
General List
Service: 
Army
Number: 
138704
Died: 
1985
Temporary Captain Robin Campbell was attached to the raiding party for Operation Flipper, an attack on Rommel's HQ in November 1941. Wounded and taken prisoner, he was subsequently repatriated in 1943 because of his wounds. He relinquished his commission 31 December 1944 with the honorary rank of Captain..
  • Awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
Recommendation
"At Sidi Rafa in November 1941 Captain Campbell volunteered to accompany the expedition as an expert German Linguist.
Straight from an office in G.H.Q. and without the desirable previous exercise and training, he marched over 18 miles in mountainous and precipitous country, and in company with another Officer and one Sgt., he forced an entrance into the German HQ at Sidi Rafa. He overpowered and shot the guard who attempted to arrest them.
When his comrade [see Linked Content below] was killed attempting to enter a room inside the building, Capt. Campbell entered fearlessly and threw 2 grenades which silenced the opposition.
Later outside the building Capt. Campbell was severely wounded whilst superintending operations, and realizing that the men of his detachment could not easily carry him back, he ordered them to complete their task and abandon him."
 
  • 31 December 1977 (Art Director, Arts Council of Great Britain) appointed C.B.E. (Civil Division).
Sources
DSO: London Gazette 36278, page 5373 and National Archives file WO373/94/97.
CBE: London Gazette 47418, page 8.
PoW record: Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/5.
Honorary rank: London Gazette 36870, page 144.
 

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