Campbell VC
Hi Snapper,
The movement out of the dry dock came as a surprise to Coastal Command. It was noticed the day before by PRU Spitfires and an “at all costs” attack ordered from St.Eval.
The raid was planned as two flights of aircraft. The first wave would attack the torpedo nets surrounding the ship with mines and try to reduce the effectiveness of the flak ships. The final wave of aircraft would then attack with torpedoes.
Bad weather meant that Campbell in his torpedo Beaufort arrived at the IP alone. After waiting a short while for any mine Beauforts to turn up he then launched a one aircraft attack knowing full well that the torpedo nets and flak would not have been supressed.
One other Beaufort eventually made the IP about 15 minutes after Campbell and also tried to carry out a single aircraft attack but had to pull back due to the fully alert defences. This aircraft returned to base safely.
Hope this helps in some small way to underline the “above and beyond” reasons for the award of VC.
You may also like to consider the date of award and how the War Department gained detailed knowledge of the action when all Campbell’s crew were killed.
F/O K Campbell VC
Sgt J P Scott RCAF
Sgt W C Mulliss
F/Sgt R W Hillman
Regards
Ross
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