Page 38 - 1RHA 2021

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
The Campbell and Henry VC Messes Captain C C Dodd RHA
Both the Officers’ and Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes have faced a period of unprecedented disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, with most of the year’s
planned events and activities delayed or cancelled.
However, a concerted effort to maintain the cohesion of the Messes has nonetheless been sustained, with events and socially distanced promotions taking place where possible. This year also marked a new era for the Regiment in the form of the opening of two new messes (The Campbell VC Officers’ Mess and Henry VC Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Mess).
The Campbell VC Mess
The most important event in the calendar for the 1 RHA Officers’ Mess has been the opening of the new Campbell VC Mess. The new mess is shared with the Officers of 19 and 26 Regiments Royal Artillery and has quickly become a new home to the Offic- ers of the Regiment. The Mess was opened on 26th May 2021, with the Master Gunner St James’ Park and several other VIPs in attendance.
The Campbell VC Mess is named for Major General John Charles “Jock” Campbell VC, DSO & Bar, MC. One of the most prominent artillerymen of the Second World War, Major General Campbell was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1915. At the out- break of war in 1939, he was a Battery Commander in 4th Regi- ment Royal Horse Artillery. He quickly rose to command the 7th Support Group as acting Brigadier, and it was for leading this
formation in a frontal assault on the enemy that he was awarded the Victoria Cross. In February 1942, Campbell was promoted to Major-General. Three weeks afterwards, he was tragically killed when his jeep overturned.
It is highly fitting that one of the great Gunners of the 20th Cen- tury be memorialised in such a fashion.
With several events planned for the winter including the Reunion Dinner in November, the officers of 1 RHA are eager to embrace their new home and reinvigorate the social calendar into the new year.
1 RHA Officers’ Mess Ante Room
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