campbell was an officer with the 45th and the 50th regiment of foot, serving in the 3rd division and the 7th division. he joined the british army at a young age, purchasing ensign and lieutenant commissions with the 45th regiment on 2 october 1801. he was appointed as an adjutant on 12 november 1803, captain on 29 december 1808, brevet major on 3 march 1814 and lieutenant colonel on 21 january 1819.