Australia’s Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) has unveiled the refurbished grave site of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Campbell, as part of the 50 year anniversary of the unit’s foundation. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Alexander Campbell was the first Commandant of Military Forces in Western Australia. Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, was named after him and has been home to the SASR since 1957. Special Operations Commander Brigadier Dan McDaniel, DSC, DSM explained that the SASR Historical Foundation refurbished the grave area of Lieutenant Colonel Campbell and his close family, comprising an obelisk, stone wall and plaques. During the ceremony, plaques were unveiled that detail Lieutenant Colonel Campbell’s place in local military history.
“For 50 years SASR members have returned to Campbell Barracks from campaigns in the jungles of Borneo and Vietnam, in defence of Australia and counter-terrorism operations, from peacekeeping in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and from more recent engagements in the Middle East and Afghanistan.” Brigadier McDaniel commented.
Commanding Officer of the Special Air Service Regiment Lieutenant Colonel G (identity protected) said Campbell Barracks was also home to the wider SAS “family”.
“As the regiment marks its Golden Jubilee, it is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Regiment and honour the supporting role of the wider SASR family,” Lieutenant Colonel G commented “Since 1964, 48 SASR members have died in operations or training incidents. Another 20 have died in other circumstances and more than 200 have been wounded.” Lieutenant Colonel G added.
Lieutenant Colonel G explained that Fundraising efforts during the Golden Jubilee year will benefit the SAS Historical Foundation and the SAS Resources Fund, a charitable trust established after the Black Hawk disaster of June 1996, in which 15 SASR members and three members of the 5th Aviation Regiment were killed.