Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Ronald Hugh Campbell GCMG PC (27 September 1883 – 15 November 1953) was a British diplomat who held several important positions including that of British ambassador to France from July 1939 to 22 June 1940, when the armistice between Germany and France was signed at Compiègne.
He was appointed British ambassador in Paris from the post of British envoy to Yugoslavia – a considerable jump in promotion which was extremely rare in the diplomatic service. Such an important position is normally reserved for diplomats who have passed through several legations and other embassies. However, it was long recognized that Campbell possessed outstanding abilities. Following the fall of France in June 1940, he was evacuated through Saint-Jean-de-Luz on HMS Galatea and returned to London. In November of the same year he was transferred to Lisbon to act as British ambassador. He retired from the Foreign Office at the end of his period of service as British ambassador to Portugal in July 1945.
Notes and Sources
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir Nevile Henderson | Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Belgrade 1935–1939 | Succeeded by Sir Ronald I. Campbell |
| Preceded by Sir Eric Phipps | British Ambassador to France 1939–1940 | Vacant German occupation of France during World War II Title next held by Duff Cooper |
| Preceded by Sir Walford Selby | British Ambassador to Portugal 1940–1945 | Succeeded by Sir Owen O'Malley |