Sir Guy Campbell, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Guy Campbell
Bt CB
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Portrait c.1812–1820 by an unknown artist
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| Born | 22 January 1786 |
| Died | 26 January 1849 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1795–1849 |
| Unit | 6th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Army Gold Medal |
Major-General Sir Guy Campbell, 1st Baronet (born January 22, 1786 – died January 26, 1849) was a brave officer in the British Army. He was the first person in his family to be given the special title of Baronet. Guy Campbell was the oldest son of Lieutenant-General Colin Campbell. His family branch is sometimes called St Cross Mede.
Contents
The Life of Sir Guy Campbell
Early Military Career
Guy Campbell started his army career very young, in 1795. He joined the 6th Regiment of Foot as an ensign, which was a junior officer rank. His father was a high-ranking officer in the same regiment at that time. Guy was promoted to lieutenant in 1796.
He fought alongside his father in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This was a time when people in Ireland rebelled against British rule. In 1803, Campbell and his regiment moved to Canada. He was promoted to captain in 1804.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Campbell and the 6th Regiment of Foot later fought in the Peninsular War. This was a big conflict in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French army. He took part in important battles like Roliça and Vimeiro. He also marched with Sir John Moore during a difficult advance and retreat.
In 1813, Campbell became a major. He led the 6th Regiment at the Battle of Vitoria on June 21, 1813. During this battle, the colonel of his regiment was hurt, so Campbell took command.
Heroism at the Battle of the Pyrenees
Campbell continued to lead his regiment during the Battle of the Pyrenees. On August 2, 1813, he was badly wounded while leading his soldiers. They were bravely attacking a strong position called the Heights of Echalar. Their courage was praised by Wellington, a famous British general. Because of his bravery, Campbell was promoted to brevet lieutenant-colonel in August 1813. A brevet rank is a temporary higher rank given for special service.
Awards and Later Life
After the war, Sir Guy Campbell received a special Army Gold Medal for his actions at the Battle of the Pyrenees. He was also given the CB award, which recognized his excellent service. In 1815, he was made a baronet. This was a special honor given to his family because of his father's important service.
He rejoined the 6th Regiment in 1815. He served as a staff officer at the famous Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was finally defeated. After this, he went on half-pay in 1816, meaning he was still in the army but not actively serving.
Family and Final Years
Sir Guy Campbell married Frances Elizabeth Burgoyne in 1817. They had one daughter before Frances died in 1818. He married again in 1820 to Pamela FitzGerald. With Pamela, he had four sons and six daughters.
In 1830, Campbell was appointed deputy quartermaster-general in Ireland. This role involved managing supplies and movements for the army. He was promoted to major-general in 1841 and took command of the Athlone district in Ireland.
In 1848, he became the colonel of the 3rd West India Regiment. Sir Guy Campbell died in 1849 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, after being ill for a long time. He was buried at Collins Barracks in Dublin.
His family's baronet title has been passed down through generations. His descendant, Sir Guy Campbell, 5th Baronet, held the title until 1993. The current baronet is Lachlan Campbell, who is his son.
