William Campion


Sir William Robert Campion, was a British soldier, politician, and the 21st Governor of Western Australia from 1924 to 1931.

Early years

Born in London, England on 3 July 1870, Campion was educated at Eton College and the University of Oxford, and was the Conservative MP for Lewes from 1910 to 1924.

Military career

Campion was commissioned into the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in 1888. He served in the First World War, at Gallipoli then later in France in 1916, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1918.

Governor of Western Australia

In June 1924 Campion was appointed Governor of Western Australia. From October 1924 to June 1931 Campion worked with Labor and Nationalist premiers alike in harmony during a period without major political crises. He presided with dignity over the state's centennial celebrations in 1929.

Later years

Campion returned to England in 1931 and retired to his country house in Sussex, but spoke frequently in favour of organized migration to Australia. He was a member of the Empire Settlement Committee in 1935. He accepted appointment as chairman of two Australian based gold-mining companies. He visited Australia in 1935–36 to inspect properties and again in 1939.
Campion died in Sussex on 2 January 1951, survived by his wife and three children.