254200 Fus. Robert "Buff" Campbell British Army Northumberland Fusiliers from:36 Albion Street, Middlestone Moor Robert Campbell enlisted at Durhamon the 22nd of September 1924. During his Service with the Colours, he served in
Germany, India, China and the UK. He was transferred to the
Army Reserve in 1932 and called up at the outbreak of the Second World War.
He was in northern France as part of the BEF and captured at the time of the Dunkirk evacuation. A telegram informed my mother that he was missing, presumed killed in action. I don't know how much later but another telegram stated he was alive and was a POW. Eventually my mother was informed he was in Stalag XXB. He was put on forced labour at the docks.
When he was brought back to England he was in Sherburn Hospital for a long time before being allowed home for a day or two then returning to hospital, this carried on for a while. He suffered mood changes and dark quiet periods which I couldn't understand then but do now.
He died in 1959.
I have a few happy memories of being up on his shoulders watching the banners and bands at Durham Big Meeting and going with him to visit his sister. I've missed him and loved him more as I've aged.
|