Vice-Admiral Gordon Campbell, (6 January 1886 – 3 October 1953) was a British naval officer, writer, politician and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre and appointed a chevalier of the Légion d'honneur for his actions during the First World War.
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Early life and career
Born on 6 January 1886 to Frederick Campbell, he was educated at Dulwich College Preparatory School (Dulwich Prep London) before moving to Dulwich College, which he attended between 1898 and 1900. He then enlisted the Royal Navy as a cadet and was in October 1902 posted as a midshipman to the battleship HMS Irresistible serving in the Mediterranean Sea. He was promoted to Sub-lieutenant in 1905, lieutenant in 1907 and commander in March 1916. It was during the First World War that he was awarded the Victoria Cross for the following action: After, he was promoted to Captain on the 7th June 1917, and was awarded his Victoria Cross in 1918.
On 17 February 1917 in the north Atlantic, Commander Campbell, commanding HMS Farnborough (Q.5) (one of the "mystery" Q ships) sighted a torpedo track. He altered course and allowed the torpedo to hit Q.5 aft by the engine-room bulkhead. The 'Panic party' got away convincingly, followed by the U-boat. When the submarine had fully surfaced and was within 100 yards of Q.5—badly damaged and now lying very low in the water—the commander gave the order to fire. Almost all of the 45 shells fired hit the SM U-83 which sank. Q.5 was taken in tow just in time and was safely beached. On 22 March 1916, another U-boat, SM U-68 was sunk by Farnborough.