John Campbell was born in Renfrewshire in 1756 and was commissioned into the 96th Foot in 1779. Three years later he was a major in the 99th Foot and on 16 Aug 1783 transferred to the 9th Regiment as lieutenant-colonel in command. He served with the 9th in the West Indies and was made brevet Colonel. When Sir Charles Grey was tasked with capturing Martinique in 1794. Colonel John Campbell was given command of the Grenadiers; three battalions made up of the grenadier companies of 24 infantry regiments including his own 9th Foot. The first action he led was against Morne le Brun on 6 Feb. On 10 Feb Campbell was detached with 5 companies of Grenadiers to seize Colon. The next day he led grenadiers and light troops and occupied a strong post at Lemâitre. Campbell’s next task was to capture Montigné with light troops, but before he reached there he was attacked by 600 French troops at Porte au Pin on 16 Feb and was in danger of being overwhelmed. Major General Thomas Dundas saw what was going on and sent reinforcements. It was in this action at Montigné that Campbell and his men fought against superior numbers. He gallantly led a bayonet charge but at the moment of victory he was killed.
The etching of Lt-Colonel Campbell in 1784 was made by John Kay (1742-1826) and is taken from the Brown Digital Repository.
