OLD PLYMOUTH . UK
www.oldplymouth.uk
 

WHO WAS WHO IN OLD PLYMOUTH

Sir COLIN CAMPBELL (1891-1979)

Born at 45 Slagg Street, Burnley, in Lancashire, on February 24th 1891 and baptised at the Anglican Church of Saint John the Baptist, Gannow, Burnley, on March 29th 1891, he was the son of Mr David Campbell, a weaver, and his wife Mrs Mary Ellen Campbell, formerly Bowling.

Mr Colin Campbell, solicitor, married Miss Matilda Hopwood at the Anglican Church of Saint Peter, Burnley, on July 17th 1923.  They had two daughters while still in Lancashire, Miss Helen G Campbell, born in 1925, and Miss Louey Campbell, born in 1926.  Mr Campbell was Town Clerk at Burnley for 12 years before coming to Plymouth in June 1935.  During World War One he had served in the Royal Engineers Signals in German East Africa.

He was awarded the King's Coronation Medal in 1937 and the Order of the British Empire (OBE).  Following his service during the Second World War as Air Raid Precautions Controller for the City of Plymouth, he then guided the City's affairs through the early difficult days of post-war reconstruction.  At that time the office of the Town Clerk was at Pounds House, Peverell, while his private residence was the Rectory lodge at Collingwood Villas, Stoke, Devonport.

He was knighted in January 1952 and became the first local government official in Plymouth to be so honoured whilst still a serving officer.   This event was celebrated with a dinner at the Grand Hotel, but not at the expense of the Council: the staff themselves paid for it out by making contributions according to their salary level.  It was claimed that his knighthood was delayed by the Government because Plymouth had broken the rules during the early years of post-war reconstruction.  Being anxious to get on with the building work, the Council had ordered some steel mesh before seeking a Government permit to do so and thus clashed with Whitehall officials.

Sir Colin retired in September 1953.  Mrs Matilda Campbell died in Plymouth on January 11th 1955 and was cremated at Efford Crematorium on January 15th 1955.  She was only 54 years of age.  Sir Colin Campbell died at Plymouth on October 12th 1979 and was cremated at Efford Crematorium on October 17th 1979.