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Clarence
Edgar Campion was born on the 13th June 1892 in Peckham, London,
the son of Edwin William Campion, a general labourer and stoker.
He was the youngest of nine children.
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He
joined the Metropolitan Police on the 23rd March 1914 at the age
of 21.
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Took
part in the 1st World War with the RASC in France in 1915. On the
14th November 1916 married a French national at Cassel Town Hall,
Northern France. After hostilities returned to his police career.
He lived with his wife Leonie Eugenie in Stoneleigh, Surrey. There
were no children.
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Promotions:
Sgt 2nd Class 6-8-23: Sgt 1st Class 1-10-28: Local Inspector 6-6-32:
Inspector 1st Class 16-4-34: Chief Inspector 30-10-35: Superintendent
29-4-38.
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In
the rank of Superintendent, he was in charge of the Criminal Record
Office at NSY.
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An
extract from the Police Review dated 6th February 1940 reads:
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"The
formation of a special force of Scotland Yard detectives for
service
in France has been completed. This follows the visit of Chief Insp
Hatherill to France to investigate thefts of Government stores
and
subsequent conferences between Scotland Yard and the War Office.
The principle duty of the new force will be the protection of
Government
stores in the BEF area. It will probably be headed by Supt Campion,
at present in charge of CRO at Scotland Yard. He will, it is
expected,
be given senior rank in the Army."
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An
agreement was reached between the Home Office and the War Office
to consign an agreed number of Metropolitan Police CID Officers
to assist the Military Police of the BEF (British Expeditionary
Force) France, into the investigation re the loss and theft of stores
and military equipment in large scales. Superintendent Campion together
with 18 others volunteered. Metropolitan Police Orders dated the
15th February 1940 lists the 19 led by Supt Campion. The Force Order
states that the men having joined His Majesty's Fighting Forces
as supernumaries will receive pay and allowances to the 11th of
February 1940.
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The
loss and thefts of stores became a major problem. By the end
of
January 1940 the force strength was 222,000. Maintenance Depots
had been established in Brest and Nantes but it became necessary
to establish advance bases. Very soon Movement Control was operating
some 90 stations whilst 14 ports were in active use. Some 45,000
vehicles were shifting 80,000 tons of stores & equipment
per month. NAAFI added another 90 institutes along the lines
of communication.
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After
recruitment the 19 stalwarts reported on the 12th February 1940,
and spent two weeks at the CMP Depot at Mytchet near Aldershot,
to learn the basic rudiments of military life and discipline. Whilst
at Mytchet they were joined by George Baker a retired Detective
Inspector making the final number 20. They all embarked for France
on the 28th February 1940, under the command of then Major Campion.
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On
arrival in France, the OC plus two Investigators were put into
place
at GHQ: Two Investigators with 1 Corps, three with 11 Corps, the
rest being divided between LeMan, Nantes, Rouen, Rennes and
Brest.
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On
the 21st March 1940, a letter was written by the Provost Marshal
(BEF) to Sir Norman Kendal, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
He said that he was highly impressed and appreciative of Campion's
presence. He concluded by saying that he may want more detectives
of the same calibre.
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There
are conflicting reports of Major Campion's death. However, it is
recorded that during the evacuation at Dunkirk, Major Campion was
hit by shrapnel in the head and died on the 20th May 1940. He was
47 years of age.
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His
death is commemorated on The Dunkirk Memorial, Nord Column 155,
that stands at the entrance to the British War Graves Section of
Dunkirk Town Cemetery, which lies on the eastern outskirts of the
town, on the road to Veurne (in Belgium).
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As
the first Commanding Officer of the Special Investigation Branch
it
was decided to name the new Headquarters of the Special Investigation
Branch (UK) based in Bulford, Wiltshire, "Campion Lines" in
his memory. The official opening was conducted by the Adjutant
General on Tuesday the 23rd February 1999.
