Campbell was posted to serve in the First Anglo-Sikh War (The Sutlej Campaign) of 1845–46 and achieved rank of lieutenant colonel. He fought in the battles of Moodkee, Sobraon and Ferozeshah and was subsequently awarded the Sutlej Medal. Two years later, the Second Anglo-Sikh War out-broke and Campbell was placed in command of the artillery division "Lahore" where he was awarded the Punjab Medal.