Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daniel George Campbell was born on the 5th of December 1887, in Clare, South Australia. He was the son of Bridget and Michael Campbell, and had schooling from the St. John Baptist School, Thebarton. His enlistment form described him as having a fresh complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. Daniel's previous occupation was as a labourer from Welland, and his religious denomination was Roman Catholic. His marital status at the time of enlistment was single, and his next of kin was Mrs. Bridget Campbell, his mother.

Campbell enlisted on the 2nd of March, 1916, aged 28, with his enlistment rank as private (Pte). He was a part of the 19th reinforcements, and in the 10th Battalion unit that embarked on the 12th of August, 1916. They journeyed on the "H.M.A.T Ballarat" (A70), from Adelaide. The ship then disembarked on the 30th of September, the same year, at Plymouth, England. On the 1st of October, 1916, Campbell marched into the 3rd training Battalion.

On the 9th of November, 1916, Campbell was sentenced 144 hours' detention for being absent without leave (A.W.L) from 8 pm on the 6/11, to 12 noon on 8/11. This resulted in the forfeiture of 9 days' worth of pay.

On the 17th of December, 1916, Daniel travelled overseas to France on the "S.S. Golden Eagle", from the 3rd training Battalion, via Folkestone. He then marched into the Australian Divisional Depot on the 8th of December, which was located in Etaples, France. On the 22nd of the same month, he proceeded to join his unit. On the 25th, he was taken on strength of the 10th Battalion, in the field. Campbell's war service here was focused on the Western Front.

On the 15th of October 1917, Daniel was admitted to the No. 3 Australian Field Ambulance, due to a Gunshot Wound to his left hand. He was transferred to the No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station the next day, and then to the No. 15 Ambulance Train, which brought him to the No. 30 General Hospital in Calais, France. From here he was sent to England on the "HS Newhaven", and was admitted at Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, on the 19th of October. A week later, he was transferred from this hospital as well, to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England. Two days later, on the 28th of October, he was discharged and granted furlough until December 12th.

On December 12th, 1917, Campbell marched into the No.1 Command Depot, located in the village of Sutton Veny, England. These depots were places for convalescent people to recover after they were discharged from hospital. On the 19th of December, Daniel marched into Overseas Training Brigade, located at Longbridge Deverill, England. From there, on January 23rd, 1918, he proceeded back to France via Southhampton and marched into the Australia Intermediate Base Depot at Le Havre, France, on the 24th.

On the 26th of January, 1918, Campbell was found guilty for being in town without a pass and being absent from Tattoo since the 24th. He was apprehened by military police on the 25th, awarding him 7 days of Field Punishment No. 2, which consisted of heavy labouring duties without any physical restraints such as handcuffs. This also resulted in a forfeiture of 7 days worth of pay.

On the 30th of January, 1918, Daniel was admitted to No. 2 General Hospital in Le Havre due to a sickness, and discharged about a week later, on the 7th of February. The same day, he marched into the Australian Intermediate Base Depot. Then, on the 14th, he proceeded to his unit, and rejoined them in the field on the 17th of February.

Daniel George Campbell was killed in action on the 11th of August, 1918, aged 30. Despite searches, his body could not be found. Because of this, he does not have a grave, but is honored by the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France, along with more than 10,000 other Australian Soldiers. He was also awarded the British War Medal, and Victory Medal, which were given to his dad, Michael T. Campbell.

In his service records, a letter dated 19th August 1920 featuring Daniel's sister enquired about a particular rumour about her brother. It was rumoured from his comrades that he was 'of unsound lucid,' and was 'an inmate in a lunatic asylum'. As the family had been advised about his death, they wanted clarification. The official replier denied any truth to the rumours and confirmed Daniels death dated 11th August 1918 but did, however, state that investigations could be made if those comrades could 'furnish statements in writing.'

Private DANIEL G. CAMPBELL, of B Company, 10th Battalion, who was killed in action on August 11, was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Campbell, Welland, late of Clare. He enlisted in March, 1916,  and sailed for the front in August, the same year. After ten months' fighting he was wounded on October 5, 1917, and spent three months in hospital in England. He returned to France in January, and was continually in the firing line until he made the supreme sacrifice. At the time he enlisted he was in the employ of the Walkerville Brewing Company, where he had worked for a number of years.