As one of the longest-serving British military leaders of the nineteenth century, Colin Campbell consistently achieved victory in both major and minor conflicts. During an era of greatness on the part of the army of Great Britain, Campbell provided leadership in sustaining professionalism and in securing victories against enemies at the far-flung borders of the empire. His methodical, cautious approach to combat, which resulted in minimal casualties ] within his army, made Campbell popular with both the British people and the soldiers under his command.
Campbell’s humble birth, on October 20, 1792, as the son oGlasgow carpenter John Macliver, might have limited his opportunity in a professional military dominated by the aristocracy had it not been for his mother and her family. Colin’s maternal uncle bought him a commission in the Ninth Foot (Infantry) Regiment and entered the boy’s name as Campbell, a highly respected surname. Colin made no effort to correct the error.
In 1808, Campbell sailed for Portugal, where, for the next five years, he saw combat on the peninsula, participating in die campaigns at Rolica, Corunna, Walcheren, Barossa, Tarifa, and Vitto-ria. He distinguished himself for bravery under fire and survived a malaria-like fever, though it would effect his health the remainder of his life. Campbell did not return to England until forced to do so in order to recover from three separate wounds received at San Sebastian in 1813.
With his wounds healed, Campbell, now a captain, joined the British army in North America for the final days of the War of 1812 and survived the ill-fated attack on the Americans at New Orleans in 1814. Because the conclusion of the war in the United States and the final defeat of Napoleon I [2] in Europe in 1815 brought an end to rapid promotions, Campbell lived the typical life of die colonial soldier for the next twenty-five years, serving long tours of garrison duty around the world, interspersed with minor wars and skirmishes of various duration.
In 1823, Campbell assisted in putting down the Demerera uprising in British Guiana, but it was not until 1835, after nearly three decades of service, that he reached the rank of lieutenant colonel and command of the Ninth Foot. Two years later, Campbell transferred to the Ninety-eighth Foot where he served in the Opium War of 1841-43. This service in China and “mention in the dispatches” of his valor and leadership resulted in Campbell’s first widespread recognition by the British public.
From 1848 to 1852, Campbell participated in the colonial campaigns in India and, by the outbreak of the Crimean War, had earned command of the Highland Brigade, with the rank of major general. Campbell, already well known throughout the British Empire, soon took on legendary status for the preparedness and ^tenacity of his command. At Balaklava on October 25, 1854, his Ninety-third Highlanders faced a charge by a massive formation of Russian cavalry. Campbell ordered, “There is no retreat from here, men! You must die where you stand!” His soldiers held and de-feated the Russian attack in what became known as the heroic stand of “the Thin Red Line.”
In 1857, Campbell returned to India to put down a mutiny. Although some criticized him as “Sir Crawling Camel” or “Old Careful” for his meticulous planning and cautious advance, Campbell restored order with a minimum of British casualties. He secured Lucknow in March 1858 and, at the rank of full general, regained control of all of northern India by the following May.
Campbell’s accomplishments were, of course, the result of more than mere caution. He was one of the first officers of any country to emphasize the importance of physical strength by conducting conditioning drills and of mental health by keeping his soldiers informed while at the same time doing everything possible to avert unnecessary hardship and danger. He constantly updated his fighting formations while integrating the latest advancements in individual firearms with improved artillery and engineer support. To test and refine these advancements, Campbell conducted extensive peacetime field training exercises, drilling his commands in movement techniques, fighting formations, and reinforcement methods.
At a time when other commanders emphasized bloody, close combat with the bayonet, Campbell stressed musket marksmanship and favored the safety of killing from long range. Near the conclusion of his great victory over the Russians at Balaklava in 1854, his Highlanders wanted to exploit their advantage by charging into the ranks of the Russians. Campbell angrily shouted, “Damn all vthat eagerness,” as he held his position and continued to pour musket and artillery shot into the Russian cavalry.
Campbell returned home in 1860 to a hero’s welcome and promotion to field marshal two years later. After more than a half century of military service, Campbell, seventy, died at Chatham on August 14, 1863, and with much fanfare was laid to rest at Westminster Abbey.
As a self-professed “soldier of fortune,” Campbell advanced from lowly social origins to field marshal at a time when wealth and birth status were more important than ability. Campbell succeeded despite his disadvantages, through persistence and determination While he appeared somewhat overcautious to many observers, none could deny his ability to produce victory. His soldiers whose very lives depended on his planning and leadership, adored him, and the Bridsh public embraced him as one of its most beloved military leaders.
For a century, between the age of Wellington in 1815 and World War I in 1914, Colin Campbell stands alone as the most influential soldier in the Bridsh army. His dedication to the care of his men and his meticulous planning and execution of operations produced a highly trained, motivated army. His promotion policies, based on ability rather than birthright or seniority, created future commanders who would lead the British army into the twentieth century.