John Vaughan Campbell

John Vaughan Campbell was the son of the Hon. Ronald Campbell, a professional soldier killed in the Zulu War. He was commissioned in 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards in 1896. He served in the South African War, winning a DSO.

He commanded 3rd Coldstream from July 1915 until November 1916. Campbell was a well-known rider to hounds and huntsman. He used his Shropshire Harriers hunting horn to good effect at Ginchy in September 1916, rallying his men, leading them against German machine-guns which had decimated the first two waves of attackers. He subsequently became known as the ‘Tally Ho VC’.

In November 1917 he was promoted brigadier-general and given command of the 137th (Staffordshire) Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division TF. The brigade was occupied for most of Campbell’s command with the routine of trench holding, but on 29 September 1918 it spearheaded 46th Division’s breaking of the Hindenburg Line at Bellenglise, a brilliant feat of arms.

Campbell’s achievement was recognised five days before the war ended by his transfer to command of 3rd (Guards) Brigade.