Ensign William Campbell

Campaign:

American War of Independence


Died:

5.7.1779

Campbell was mortally wounded by sniper fire and buried in an unmarked grave at Pruden Street, West Haven, Connecticut, during Tryon’s Raid, in 1779.
Just prior to his death, he ensured a local pastor Reverend Williston who was about to be executed by the British was treated for his leg wound and Campbell spared the town from being pillaged and fire. As a result a local proclamation to honour him was issued.
It is interesting that Campbell appears to have been the first officer of the Regiment commissioned from the ranks – in 1777. The Commissioning Book misses a number of people out at that time and he’s one. It seems to have become much more systematic from the Napoleonic era onwards. But it does look as though he was promoted in the field, to judge from the dates

Memorial(s):

Country Location Name of Memorial Campaign Names Date(s)
USA West Haven, Connecticut, USA Westhaven Connecticut Memorial to William Campbell American War of Independence
William Campbell 5-7-1779 View

Further information:

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If you have information on a specific memorial please send it on to the Historical Committee. The Memorial information required is:

  • Who or what formation of the Regiment is named on the memorial. What event, dates or other inscriptions on the memorial.
  • The country, nearest town/city or other details of location.
  • A description of the memorial with a photograph if possible.
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Please sent any information that you find to: Michael Campbell-Lamerton


As the information on the database builds up Michael Campbell-Lamerton will be sending regular updates to Archives at RHQ who remains the point of contact about for inquiries on past members of the Regiment.