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.
'Interesting thing about this officer is not only is a main street in the town named for him, but he most likely has the only monument to an individual "enemy" soldier in the United States' (Cliff Dudley teachs History at the University of New Haven, across the street from the memorial to Campbell).
Memorial(s):
| Country | Location | Name of Memorial | Campaign | Names | Date(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA | Westhaven Connecticut Memorial to William Campbell | American War of Independence |
William Campbell | 5-7-1779 | View |
Further information:
Find more information about a specific soldier visit findmypast. The Scots Guards are delighted that their Enlistment Books from 1840 to 1938 are now available at:
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.
- For bigger sites a copy of any advertising information or leaflets would be useful.
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.
