Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Frederick and Christina Campbell, of Red Hill, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia. 

GRANT UNTO THEM O MERCIFUL LORD ETERNAL REST

Born in 1890 at Yarralumla, Charles Campbell was the eldest son of Frederick Campbell (from whom Yarralumla was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1913). After finishing school he managed one of his father's properties near Lightning Ridge and after proving his competency, he became manager of Cooinbil Station. He left Cooinbil for England and enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps. According to another pilot, on 29 November 1917 their squadron had completed their mission over Cambrai in France and were returning home when they were attacked by three times their number. Campbell was flying at the rear of the formation when he was shot down and killed. His mother refused to believe that Campbell had been killed and travelled to Europe after the war to search for her son, but it was in vain. She convinced her husband to set aside a sum of money in case Campbell returned home, but after 15 years it was quietly donated to charity.

http://www.memorial.act.gov.au/search/person/campbell-charles-bruce (www.memorial.act.gov.au)

On 29 November 1917, aircraft from the 48th Squadron had completed their bombing mission to the east of Cambrai, France, and were returning home when they were attacked by a superior German force of Albatros Scout aircraft.  DH4 aircraft A7704, flown by Second Lieutenant Campbell (Pilot) and Air Mechanic First Class William Alfred Samways (14262) RFC (Gunner) and flying at the rear of the formation, was last seen in flames over Thun St Martin, France.