The D. N. B. records as follows:—
"He entered the army as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Dragoons or Scots Greys, in 1708, ... and he greatly distinguished himself at the hard-fought battle of Malplaquet, on 11 September, 1709. In this battle the Scots Greys were stationed in front of the right of the allied line, under the command of Prince Eugène, and when the obstinate resistance of the French made the issue of the battle doubtful, Campbell, though he had been ordered not to move, suddenly charged with his dragoons right through the enemie's line and back again. The success of this charge determined the battle in that quarter, and on the following day Prince Eugène publicly thanked Campbell before the whole army, for exceeding his orders." In 1717 he succeeded David, Earl of Portmore, as Colonel of the Scots Greys.
JAMES MURE CAMPBELL.
Cornet, 15 November, 1740. Lieutenant, 27 May, 1742. Captain, 29 May, 1745. Made Major to the 11th Dragoons, 24 July, 1754.
JOHN CAMPBELL, The Honourable.
Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army, 19 April, 1712. Colonel in the Army, 27 June, 1737. Colonel of the 2nd or Royal North British Dragoons, 29 April, 1752. Also in Muster Roll ending 24 June, 1760. Died, 9 November, 1770.
JOHN CAMPBELL.
Ensign of the 25th Foot, made Cornet, 12 January, 1757. Promoted to Captain 24 April, 1762.
JOHN CAMPBELL.
Cornet, 26 December, 1755. "Made Captain in the '2nd Highland Battalion,' and succeeded by Ensign John Campbell, of the 25th Foot, 12 January, 1757." (See above.)