15754 Corporal Daniel Campbell, MM, 28/10/1915-20/4/1943.

BEREAVEMENT NOTICES

CAMPBELL—Mr and Mrs J. G. Campbell and family, Reid road, wish to Thank all kind friends and relations for kind expressions of sympathy in their sad bereavement of their son, Daniel Campbell.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/5/1943.

BRAVERY AWARDS

FIGHTING IN DESERT 

COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 24. Stories of outstanding courage under fire and dashing leadership are contained in the citations accompanying the awards to five Otago and Southland soldiers whose names were included in the list of immediate decorations which was announced yesterday. 

Lieutenant W. F. Titchener, of the New Zealand Machine Gun Battalion, who has been awarded the Military Cross, was in command of a machine-gun platoon which supported an infantry company during an attack on March 22. After firing a supporting barrage. Lieutenant Titchener went with a reconnaissance party to the 1 objective. Although surprised to find none of the infantry there, he advanced towards a field gun, the location of which he knew. He shot an enemy sentry who challenged him and began cleaning up the area. He captured four 70-millimetre guns, two Breda machine guns, and 36 prisoners. 

Later the position was counterattacked, and, although the enemy approached to within 200 yards, they were beaten off, suffering casualties. Lieutenant Titchener’s platoon continued to hold this position next day, although because of heavy mortar fire their guns had to be shifted twice. Lieutenant Titchener's quick appreciation of the situation and his courageous handling of his guns under heavy fire helped considerably to strengthen a difficult flank.

Attack on Enemy Post. On the night of March 21-22 Corporal A. J. Marett, who has been awarded the Military Medal, displayed outstanding dash and leadership during an attack on -a Roman wall. His platoon, after crossing an anti-tank ditch, was pinned to the ground by heavy machine-gun and mortar fire immediately in front of a wire obstacle. Corporal Marett crawled forward and made a gap in the wire. He then led his section under heavy fire and exploding grenades, and mopped up this enemy post. He was wounded in both legs and had to be evacuated under protest. 

Corporal Daniel Campbell, who has been awarded the Military Medal, was leading his section in an attack south of El Hamma on March 26, when he encountered strong opposition. In the face of heavy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, he led his section against dug-in positions, destroying at least four. The speed and determination with which he attacked were largely responsible for the platoon getting forward at .a point where it had been held up. The courage and initiative shown by Corporal Campbell were of the highest order, and his leadership was outstanding.   -Otago Daily Times, 25/5/1943.

Otago Daily Times, 9/7/1943.

'On the afternoon of 26 March 1943 Corporal Campbell was leading his section in the attack south of EL HAMMA, Tunisia when strong opposition was encountered. In the face of heavy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety he led his section against dug-in enemy positions and was responsible for destroying at least four of them. The speed and determination with which he attacked were largely responsible for his platoon getting forward at a point where had they been held up the adjoining platoon would have been exposed to heavy flank fire. The courage and initiative shown by Corporal Campbell throughout the attack were of the highest order and his leadership was outstanding.'. (Source: The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for Campbell, Daniel. (Ref. WO 373/25/214). Military Medal. 

Enfidavill War Cemetery.  Photo: NZ War Graves Project.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Corporal Daniel Campbell, who was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding bravery in the attack on El Hamma on March 26 and has since died of wounds, was the elder son of Mr and Mrs John Campbell, of Reid Road, South Dunedin. Corporal Campbell, who was 27 years of age at the time of his death, was a well-known footballer in Otago. He was educated at Gimmerburn, where he resided with his uncle, Mr John McLeod, and at the age of 19 he represented the Maniototo County at rugby football. He was at one time captain of the local Country team and for two years was a member of the Union first fifteen, Dunedin. Of a quiet disposition, he was held in high respect in the Gimmerburn district, where he spent most of his life. During his short residence at Frankton Dan Campbell also won many friends. He enlisted on the outbreak of war, and left for overseas service from Lake County as a private in 1940.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 15/7/1943.

From his date of death and the Official History of the 24th Battalion, I can gather that Daniel died during the capture of the village of Takrouna, Tunisia.  Five men were killed and five died of wounds in the 20-26 April period of action in 1943.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

In Memoriam

CAMPBELL.—In loving memory of Corporal Daniel Campbell, who was killed In Tunisia on April 20, 1943. 

Suddenly and quickly came the call; His sudden death a shock to us all; 

A sudden change in a moment fell, Without a chance to say farewell. 

— Inserted by mother, father, Catherine and Ivy.   -Otago Daily Times, 20/4/1946.