Pilot Officer Stuart Campbell, C.G.M.

Pilot Officer Stuart Somerville Campbell, C.G.M., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was lost on Operations in the Mediterranean with 39 Squadron R.A.F. on 7th September 1944, aged 22. He was the son of David Mackintosh Campbell and May Leask Campbell of Addiscombe, Croyden, Surrey and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. He had been brought up in Kelso by his aunts the Misses Campbell of Abbotsford Grove, Kelso.  The Squadron flew the Bristol Beaufighter from Biferno in Italy on Anti- shipping strikes and also attacked various enemy targets of opportunity in the Adriatic area of Operations. His Conspicuous Gallantry Medal award was announced in the London Gazette on 24th October 1944 and reads ” This airman has proved himself to be a valiant and devoted member of aircraft crew. He has participated in many sorties, including numerous attacks on enemy shipping and throughout has displayed a high standard of navigational ability. In June 1944 when over a target in Italy his aircraft was struck by fragments of shell, which started a fire. He was wounded, but, despite this, he succeeded in extinguishing the outburst. He afterwards navigated the aircraft home in the face of great difficulty. Towards the end of July 1944 this airman was again a member of a crew detailed for an air operation. During the mission his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. A fire started but he extinguished it. Although deprived of the full use of navigational aids he guided his pilot safely home. This airman has displayed a high degree of courage and resolution “.

Scroll to Top