Arthur Campion joined the Army prior to the outbreak of war. He remained in active service throughout the Second World War, receiving the following Campaign Stars and Medals: The Africa Star; The Italy Star; The 1939-1945 Star; The Defence Medal; The Campaign Medal for his service in India. He was promoted to Sergeant during his service.
Despite being in the Front Line and involved in major battles, such as, Dunkirk (1940), El Alamein (1942), and Monte Cassino (1944), he was one of the lucky ones, remaining uninjured and safely returning home to his wife, whom he married in 1942 on Special Leave. This was followed by three years of absence due to active service.
Following the allied victory over Germany in 1945, Arthur Campion returned home. He re-entered civilian life, had a successful career in the building trade, starting as a joiner and retiring as a works manager. He was a well-respected man.
He and his wife were married for almost 50 years at her death in February 1992, after 49 years and 7 months of marriage. They had two children and four grandchildren. He was very much a family man: a good husband, father, and grandfather.
The horror of what he saw during his active service cannot be discounted. Whilst he would speak about experiences and events, it was only in his later years that the full trauma was recognised. Future generations should never forget the sacrifice that these soldiers made, either with their own lives, or their youth. Arthur was only 20yrs old when he joined up, and 26yrs when he returned home; valuable years that were given at a time when honour and country were seen to be very important.
Arthur was one of the few remaining 8th Army veterans in 2005, living a long and happy life, dying aged 86yrs.
The true extent of the impact we will never know. Maybe those experiences led him to have the philosophy, "make the best of every day".
Written by Arthur Campion's younger daughter and second eldest granddaughter.
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