
Field Marshal Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde, GCB,
KSI (October 20, 1792–August 14, 1863) was a Scottish soldier.
Campbell held a command in the American expedition of 1814; after the peace of the following year, he devoted himself to studying military science. In 1823, he quelled the slave rebellion in Demerara, and two years later bought himself a major's rank. In 1832, he became lieutenant-colonel of the 98th Foot and rendered distinguished service in 1842 during the First Opium War. Campbell was next employed in the Sikh War of 1848–49, under Lord Gough. He was wounded at the battle of Chillianwala, and at the decisive victory of Gujrat, his skill and valour contributed largely to the success of the British forces; his "steady coolness and military precision" were highly praised in official despatches. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1849, and specially named in the thanks of Parliament.
His military ability had been late in being recognised; but his true worth was soon appreciated. The outbreak of the Indian Mutiny called for a general of tried experience; and on July 11, 1857 the command was offered to him by Lord Palmerston. On being asked when he would be ready to set out, Campbell replied, "Within twenty-four hours." He left England the next evening, and reached Calcutta on August 13. After spending over two months in the capital to organize his resources, he started for the front on October 27, and on November 17 relieved Lucknow for the second time. Sir Colin, however, considered Lucknow a false position, and once more abandoned it to the rebels, retaking it in March 1858. He continued in charge of the operations in Oudh until the embers of the revolt had died away. For these services he was raised to the peerage, in 1858, as Baron Clyde; and, returning to the United Kingdom in the next year, he received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament and a pension of £2000 a year. Despite lacking the dash which won the United Kingdom so many victories in India, Lord Clyde was regarded as a brave soldier and a careful and prudent leader. The soldiers whom he led were devotedly attached to him; and he commanded unvarying respect. Nicknames given by those who disliked his safety-first style of generalship, included 'Sir Crawling Camel' and 'Old Slowcoach'. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. A statue was erected to him
in his native town, (see Glasgow's public statues) from whom he had
also received the Sword of Honour, one of many he received from throughout
Britain. Another statue of him, by Carlo Marochetti, was erected
in Waterloo Place, London, in 1867. The town of Clyde, New Zealand
was named after him in 1865 |