William Charles Campbell
Encyclopedia
Captain William Charles Campbell, Distinguished Service Order
, Military Cross
with Bar (27 April 1889 – 26 February 1958), was a World War I
fighter pilot of Scots heritage who was credited with 23 victories. Serving with No. 1 Squadron during 1917, he was a notable balloon buster
, being the first British ace to down five enemy observation balloons. He also claimed eleven aircraft destroyed, and seven (including two shared) 'driven down out of control'.
Campbell joined the Royal Flying Corps
in 1916. He was assigned to 1 Squadron as a Nieuport Scout pilot on 1 May 1917. He scored his victories between 14 May and 28 July 1917. On 31 July, Campbell became German ace Eduard von Dostler's 21st claim; Campbell was wounded in the thigh and his airplane was bullet-riddled and driven down, but he survived.
(DSO)
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions whilst on offensive patrols. He has displayed the greatest courage and skill in attacking enemy aircraft at close range, destroying some and driving others down out of control. He has proved himself to be a scout leader of the highest class, and has destroyed twelve hostile machines and two balloons, besides taking part in many other combats during the last three months. By his fearlessness and offensive spirit he has. set a splendid example to all ranks.
Military Cross
(MC)
2nd Lt. William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked an enemy balloon, bringing it down in flames, and returned to our lines at about twenty feet from the ground under heavy fire. On another occasion he attacked and dispersed a column of infantry from a very low altitude. He has shown great courage and initiative throughout.
Military Cross
(MC) Bar
2nd Lt. William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has repeatedly shown great fearlessness and skill in attacking and destroying enemy aircraft, on one occasion destroying three within one hour. He has also attacked and dispersed enemy troops from a low altitude, at all times showing the utmost disregard of personal safety.
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
, Military Cross
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
with Bar (27 April 1889 – 26 February 1958), was a World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
fighter pilot of Scots heritage who was credited with 23 victories. Serving with No. 1 Squadron during 1917, he was a notable balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
, being the first British ace to down five enemy observation balloons. He also claimed eleven aircraft destroyed, and seven (including two shared) 'driven down out of control'.
Campbell joined the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
in 1916. He was assigned to 1 Squadron as a Nieuport Scout pilot on 1 May 1917. He scored his victories between 14 May and 28 July 1917. On 31 July, Campbell became German ace Eduard von Dostler's 21st claim; Campbell was wounded in the thigh and his airplane was bullet-riddled and driven down, but he survived.
Military honours
Distinguished Service OrderDistinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
(DSO)
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions whilst on offensive patrols. He has displayed the greatest courage and skill in attacking enemy aircraft at close range, destroying some and driving others down out of control. He has proved himself to be a scout leader of the highest class, and has destroyed twelve hostile machines and two balloons, besides taking part in many other combats during the last three months. By his fearlessness and offensive spirit he has. set a splendid example to all ranks.
Military Cross
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(MC)
2nd Lt. William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked an enemy balloon, bringing it down in flames, and returned to our lines at about twenty feet from the ground under heavy fire. On another occasion he attacked and dispersed a column of infantry from a very low altitude. He has shown great courage and initiative throughout.
Military Cross
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(MC) Bar
2nd Lt. William Charles Campbell, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has repeatedly shown great fearlessness and skill in attacking and destroying enemy aircraft, on one occasion destroying three within one hour. He has also attacked and dispersed enemy troops from a low altitude, at all times showing the utmost disregard of personal safety.