Private John Campbell

Private John Campbell was born on May 12, 1894, in Belfast, Ireland, to John and Jean Ann Campbell of 26 Montrose Street. In 1911 he was 18, living in Belfast with his parents and siblings. His occupation was pawnbroker.

Sometime between May 1, 1911 and his enlistment date, John immigrated to Paris. He lived with his uncle, George Campbell, who had immigrated in 1906, in Upper Town on 2nd King Street, now Dumfries Street He was employed as a knitter at Penmans and also worked at Tate Bros. He attended the Presbyterian Church and while in Paris was highly regarded by his friends. His name is entered on the Honor Roll at Paris Presbyterian Church.

John enlisted with the 2^nd Dragoons of Brantford on July 26, 1915. He was transferred to the 84^th Battalion C.E.F., D Company, on August 12, 1915, and signed his Attestation Paper in Niagara Camp, Ontario, on August 31, 1915, stating that his occupation was a “fitter”. He passed his physical there on September 6, 1915.

The unit left Canada aboard the Empress of Britain on June 18, 2016 and arrived in England on June 28, 1916 at Bordon, England. Bordon Camp was a major British Army training site during World War I. Located in Hampshire, England, it served as a vital staging and training ground for British and Dominion troops before deployment to the Western Front. After training there, John was transferred to the 75^th Highlanders Battalion at Bramshott on October 3.

On October 10, his unit embarked for France. On November 18, the 75th Battalion fought in the Battle of the Ancre, the final phase of the Battle of the Somme. They were tasked with a major assault to capture Desire Trench, navigating horrific conditions featuring freezing mud, sleet, and heavy German machine-gun fire. The battalion suffered devastating casualties during this push—losing 248 men (including 104 killed). By November 24, the survivors were pulled out of the immediate front line to rest, receive medical attention, and process administrative changes. They were preparing to disengage for the winter. Tragically, it was at this point that John was shot in the neck and chest by an enemy rifle bullet. He was taken to No. 1 Canadian Hospital at Etaples for treatment but died on November 25. Private John Campbell is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. He was 23 years old.