In 1914, the First World War erupted between the Allies (including Britain, France and Russia) and the Central Powers (including Germany and Austro-Hungary). Britain sent many soldiers to fight in France and Belgium, known as the 'Western Front'. Soldiers of the British army were from all parts of society; some were already serving, many volunteered to fight as soon as war broke out, and as the war dragged on, many were conscripted (forced to join by the government). Coming from various backgrounds and experiences, soldiers reacted differently to the horrors of war and life as a soldier. The behaviour and conduct of each of them was written down and recorded in their individual service papers.

This Snapshot focuses on Donald Campbell, a young Scottish man who joined the army on 10th August 1903. He was 18 years and 4 months old. In this Snapshot, you have the opportunity to examine his service papers to see what happened to him. As Private Campbell joined the army years before the outbreak of war, it is important to find out what he did and where he went. Where did he come from? Why did he join? What was he like? By examining his military records - his service papers - we can piece together primary source evidence to help us find the answers. Your aim is to reach a personal conclusion, clearly explained and justified - was he a good soldier?

8493 / Private Donald Campbell

Each member of the British army has service papers that record their army career. Upon joining the army, the first of these papers, called the Attestation Form, is filled in. This is a form that records detailed information about the soldier including name, age, address, height, hair and eye colour, previous jobs, and whether or not they have been in prison for committing crimes. When completed and signed, the soldier is given their unique Regimental number.

Donald Campbell joined on 10th August 1903 and became a member of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Scots Lothian Regiment, who gave him the number '8493'. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 137lb, came from Inverness, and worked as a cellarman in the pub trade before joining the army. Many young men such as Campbell joined the army for adventure and to see the world. From his record of service we can see that Private Campbell did indeed do this - he spent his time in the army serving in Britain, India, Pakistan, France and Belgium.

Ypres

On 23rd May 1915, Donald Campbell died of wounds he suffered the previous day. He had been wounded in action on 22nd May during the second battle of Ypres. Now a large town in Belgium, during the First World War Ypres was the site of three huge battles. On the 22nd April 1915 the Germans attacked the Allied trenches, beginning the second battle. The Allies were pushed back several miles, although quickly dug new trenches to prevent the Germans breaking through. The next 40 days saw frequent attacks and counter-attacks from both sides. By the time this second battle of Ypres ended on 31st May the Germans had only gained a small amount of land and both sides suffered appalling casualties, including the loss of Private Donald Campbell after 11 years, 287 days service.