| Henry Campbell was the eldest son of William and Mary Jane Campbell. William Campbell married Mary Millar on 10th March 1888 in the district of Cookstown.
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| Henry was born on 1st November 1884 in the Desertcreat, Cookstown area. He was one of at least five children. The 1911 census records that there were six, but no record can be found of the sixth.
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| Family 1: William Campbell, Mary Jane Campbell, Henry Campbell (born 1st November 1884), Joseph Campbell (born 7th August 1888), Elizabeth Campbell (born 27th September 1890), Sarah Campbell (born 23rd February 1893), Margaret Campbell (born 10th November 1897).
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| The 1901 census records Henry as living with the family in Gortacar (Doris), Tullaghoge, Tyrone. He was listed as 17 and still at school. His father was an agricultural labourer.
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| By the time of the 1911 census, Henry was boarding with the Crooks family in Desertcreat, Tullaghoge, Tyrone. He was 24 years old. He was working as an agricultural labourer and was by this time, married.
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| It seems Henry Campbell married Mary Crooks on 17th January 1911 in the district of Cookstown. It is believed Henry and Mary had two children.
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| Family 2: Henry Campbell, Mary Campbell, Florence Campbell (born 4th June 1911), Sophia Campbell (born 22nd February 1914).
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| Henry belonged to Sandholes L.O.L. No 274 and was a drill instructor in the 5th Battalion Tyrone Regiment U.V.F.
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| Henry Campbell was a reservist and was called up in August 1914. He enlisted in Cookstown and was almost immediately sent to the front.
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| The battalion arrived in France on 22nd August 1914 and William joined them later after his initial training had taken place.
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| Only a few days before he died, his wife heard from him stating that he would likely be invalided home for some time.
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| The following letter, presumably from a nurse, reached his wife in March 1915:
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| “Dear Mrs Campbell, I deeply regret to tell you that your husband died suddenly this morning at 7:15. His pulse yesterday gradually grew worse and the doctors feared that he had internal bleeding from the diseased part of his bowels. He was semi-conscious to the end and did not say anything at all. With my sympathy, yours truly, A. C. Jackson.”
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| Private Henry Campbell was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling fusiliers when he died from wounds at Rouen on Sunday 7th March 1915.
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| From the Tyrone Courier 18th March 1915:
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| Tullyhogue Soldier Killed: Intimation has been received of the death of No 7867 Private Henry Campbell, 3rd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, whose wife resides in Lindsayvilla, Tullyhogue. The deceased was a reservist and was called up in August last, and almost immediately sent to the front. He was 29 years of age on the 12 October last, and was much appreciated in the locality. He belonged to Sandholes L.O.L No 274 and was a drill instructor in the 5th Battalion Tyrone Regiment U.V.F. Only a few days ago his wife heard from him stating that he would likely be invalided home for some time. The following letter, however, presumably from a nurse, has reached her. “Dear Mrs Campbell, I deeply regret to tell you that your husband died suddenly this morning at 7:15. His pulse yesterday gradually grew worse and the doctors feared that he had internal bleeding from the diseased part of his bowels. He was semi-conscious to the end and did not say anything at all. With my sympathy, yours truly, A. C. Jackson.” No official intimation has yet been received but the above communication has caused much regret, and sympathy with his wife and family.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 11th March 1916:
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| CAMPBELL – Killed in action, 7 March 1915, in France, 7867 Private Henry Campbell, 2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, eldest son of William Campbell, Tullyhogue. ‘Gone, but not forgotten’. Inserted by his father and mother, sisters and brothers.
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“The Lord took him to himself
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He knew his time had come
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And we mourn the loss of one so dear
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Our own beloved son”
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| Private Henry Campbell is buried in St Sever Cemetery in France.
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| Henry Campbell is commemorated on Desertcreat Parish Church Roll of Honour and on Cookstown Cenotaph.
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