John Campbell (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Campbell
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| Born | 1720 parish of Kirkbean, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland |
| Died | 16 December 1790 his house at Charles Street, Berkeley Square, London, England |
| Allegiance | Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | Before 1740 – 1782 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral of the White |
| Battles/wars | Quiberon Bay, Ushant |
| Other work | Governor of Newfoundland, astronomer |
John Campbell (1720–1790) was an important British naval officer. He was also an expert in navigation and a governor. Born in Kirkbean, Scotland, he joined the Royal Navy when he was young. In 1740, he sailed around the world on the ship Centurion. Later in life, he became the Governor of Newfoundland from 1782 until he died.
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John Campbell's Amazing Life
John Campbell was born in Kirkbean, Scotland. His father was a minister. When John was young, he started working on a ship that sailed along the coast. One day, the ship's mate was forced to join the navy. John offered to take his place.
He served on several ships before joining Centurion in 1740. This ship was the main vessel for Commodore George Anson. Campbell then sailed around the world with Anson. This famous trip is known as Anson's circumnavigation.
During this voyage, Campbell was promoted. He became a master after a battle in 1743. One of his shipmates was Augustus Keppel. They became lifelong friends.
Rising Through the Ranks
Campbell returned home in 1745. He quickly passed his exam to become a lieutenant. With Anson's help, he was promoted to commander in 1747. He was given command of a small ship called a sloop.
Later that year, he became a post captain. He took command of a new ship, the frigate Bellona. He stayed on Bellona until 1748. He was praised for his success.
Around 1747, Campbell became involved in astronomy. He was the first person to use a special tool called a Hadley quadrant. He used it to measure distances between the moon and stars.
The astronomer royal, James Bradley, saw Campbell's results. They were very accurate. Bradley and Campbell often worked together. They observed the moon, sun, and stars from Greenwich.
In 1757, Campbell commanded the ship Essex. He worked with Edward Hawke to block French ships near Brest. During this time, James Bradley suggested Campbell test new lunar tables. These tables were created by Tobias Mayer. Campbell successfully tested them at sea.
He compared Mayer's new tool, a reflecting circle, with the Hadley octant. He found the reflecting circle too heavy. The Hadley octant was lighter but had limits. Campbell suggested making the Hadley octant out of brass instead of wood. He also suggested extending its arc.
In 1759, John Bird created a new instrument based on Campbell's ideas. This new tool was a sextant. It was made of brass and was much lighter. This sextant became the model for the marine sextant used even today.
The Seven Years' War
Campbell returned to the ship Royal George in 1759. He served under Admiral Hawke. He was with Hawke during the important battle of Quiberon Bay on November 20, 1759. This was a major victory for Britain.
Hawke sent Campbell to England to deliver the news of the victory. Campbell arrived in just six days. He personally told the king about the win.
Next, Campbell commanded the ship Dorsetshire from 1760 to 1763. He was elected a member of the Royal Society in 1764. This is a famous group for scientists. He also helped analyze results from tests of John Harrison's special clock. This clock was designed to find longitude at sea.
From 1764, he commanded royal yachts. He stayed in this role until he was promoted to rear-admiral in 1778.
Battle of Ushant and Governorship
In March 1778, Campbell's old friend Admiral Keppel chose him to be "captain of the fleet". This meant Campbell was like the chief of staff on Keppel's main ship, HMS Victory. He played a key part in the Battle of Ushant on July 27. He was praised by the king for his role. He was promoted to vice-admiral in 1779.
In April 1782, Campbell was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland. He sailed there on the ship HMS Portland. On the way, his fleet was attacked by French and Spanish ships. While 19 ships were captured, Portland and eight others escaped.
Campbell served as governor from 1782 until his death in 1790. During his time as governor, he helped arrange trials for a new chronometer. This was a very accurate clock made by Thomas Mudge.
Campbell also made an important decision in Newfoundland. He declared religious freedom for everyone living there. Because of this, a Catholic church was built. Campbell was promoted to vice-admiral of the white in 1787.
In Popular Culture
The actor Andrew Scott played John Campbell in the TV series Longitude in 2000.
See also
- Governors of Newfoundland
- List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador
