EOD Campbell, Alexander Fraser

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Campbell
  • FORENAME
Alexander Fraser
  • UNIT
9 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers
  • RANK
Second Lieutenant
  • NUMBER
135004
  • DATE OF DEATH
18th October 1940
  • AGE
42
  • GRAVESITE
Coventry (London Road) Cemetery, Staffordshire Square 348 Coll.grave 46
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 2.5.1898 Dalmellington, Ayrshire
son of Archibald and Mary Campbell, Dalmellington, Ayrshire
husband of Agnes Sharp Campbell, Dalmellington, Ayrshire
M.I.Mar.E.
commissioned R.E. 8.6.1940
award George Cross (posthumously)
killed Coventry, England
London Gazette 35050, 21st January 1941, Page 461
 

DATE OF DEATH:

18-Oct-1940

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/campbell-alexander-fraser.38507/

CITATION:

George Cross : Second-Lieutenant Campbell was engaged with his Section on the removal of a 250 Kilo unexploded bomb at the Triumph Engineering Company's works, Coventry. This bomb had caused cessation of war production in two factories involving some 1,000 workers, and the evacuation of a number of residents. For this reason, Second-Lieutenant Campbell worked practically without rest for nearly 48 hours until the bomb was removed. The bomb was finally exposed and examined by Second-Lieutenant Campbell; it was fitted with a delayed action fuse, which it was impossible to remove. He therefore decided to remove the bomb to a safe place for destruction. Recognising the extreme danger involved, he removed the bomb by lorry for a distance of approximately a mile, himself lying alongside the bomb listening for action by the clock-work mechanism. The bomb was safely disposed of. The was thoroughly experienced in the work of bomb disposal, and knew exactly what risks he was taking. In view of all the circumstances, his instant decision to act as described and complete lack of consideration for his personal safety constitute an act of gallantry of the highest degree. Second Lieutenant Campbell was unfortunately killed the following day (18th October, 1940) while dealing with another bomb.

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35050/supplement/461
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7378218
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Campbell_(British_Army_officer)

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59788309/alexander-fraser-campbell
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