1000 Men, 1000 Stories : Editor's Research: Lloyd Campbell, London Ont. (4)

Many Final Details, and Remaining Mysteries.

[Photo: "Your brother Lloyd George Campbell Able Seaman RCNVR Died"]

Introduction:

Lloyd Campbell's file folder contains not only his last letter home to his sister in London but communications related to his death, and many details related to the cause of death.

Below one will find many more letters and documents pertaining to Lloyd's demise and where he was/is buried. Some items clear up some matters, others add to a certain level of confusion about Lloyd's family. All in all, much can be learned with what lies before us, but it may take a trained detective - which I am not - to tighten up and tie off remaining loose threads.

About the above telegram: It is dated "11/11/42" (bottom line), 21 days after Lloyd's death. However, as will be revealed all in good time below, Lloyd's sister already knew about his death by that date.

Documents, Communications Related to Lloyd Campbell V17138:

The following pages are provided in the order found in Lloyd's file with some explanation from the editor if required, e.g., for context or clarification.

1. Those who have noticed the numbers listed in red pencil crayon will see this letter was originally marked number 55, and changed to 37. If the numbers indicate the chronological order of paperwork associated with Mr. Campbell, then this letter was sent or received prior to the top telegram, number 45, later changed to 43.

Paragraph 1 likely refers to Lloyd's last words to his family (see previous post). Lloyd is referred to as a "marginally named party", which may mean that, back at headquarters, he is not fully known to them, in terms of his role and duties with any particular armed force. Lloyd's sister is therefore asked to help fill in the blanks.

2. Lloyd's sister Madeline responds to the above about Lloyd's death. His last letter, listed chronologically as number 36, had ended on a positive note: "I hope to be (up and) about soon," said her brother. Note the date, i.e., Nov. 8/42. Madeline responded very quickly in this instance. And the red pencil crayon number is 38, and follows the above letter, marked number 37.

"I have been both stunned and shocked at hearing this dreadful news." Mrs. M. Rollins. (Many communications had indicated "Rollands" as her last name.) No mention is made of Lloyd's mother who, I had been lead to believe by an earlier document, lived at the same address, i.e., 992 Oxford Street. Note above, M. Rollins is now living at 626 Lorne Avenue, London.

3. A second letter from Madeline, now living on Askin Street, three blocks from my current address. It was sent and received in October, 1945 and matters related to Lloyd's estate are addressed.

We learn details about Lloyd's family: His father had died during the past July; he had three brothers living in the United States and another sister living in London, Ont.; his mother is again not mentioned.

Below we notice that Madeline's letter was to be placed within Lloyd's closed file.

4. Distribution of funds, attributed to Mr. Campbell, is addressed. $253.76 had been distributed earlier, and that may relate to his pay when he served aboard corvette Eyebright before volunteering for (or being assigned to) Combined Operations and work aboard landing crafts. The money was made payable to Thomas Campbell (Lloyd's deceased father), c/o Madeline Rollins.

5. This "Death Certificate" is similar to one written in German, as seen in a previous post. Lloyd's mother's maiden name is listed - Cadham.

6. The original death certificates crossed the desk of Captain R. I. Agnew, R.C.N. Capt. Agnew had not always had a desk job: Link to the following - HMCS Prince Henry, December 1940; Order of the British Empire; RCN Officers second officer listed; commanding the Prince Henry, distinctive action!

7. In Madeline's letter from 1943, related to making claims, we learn that Lloyd's mother had passed away when Lloyd was a young person. Madeline had likely lived in her mother Mary's house at 992 Oxford Street for a number of years, and may have been making claims on her mother's behalf or in her name.

8. Three pages of Lloyd's belongings reside in his file, and I have listed the first and third pages.

9. A letter addressed to Lloyd's second sister, related to her share of his estate.

10. A significant discovery is made here, in my opinion, going back to 1953.

The site of Lloyd's grave had been changed from Meiningen to Berlin. Duly noted!

Surviving members of Lloyd's family, wishing to visit his grave to honour his service, or lay a wreath, could do so, perhaps without great difficulty. My father had listed his burial place as 'Berlin', perhaps by chance or luck, or news had been provided at a Navy reunion.