Promoted to captain in 1940, Campbell served in the Second World War in the Arctic Convoys commanding the destroyer from 1942 to 1944 and then becoming deputy director of naval intelligence. He was appointed Flag Officer Liaison for the Middle East in 1950, and Flag Officer Flotillas in the Mediterranean Fleet in 1952. He then became Flag Officer Commanding the Reserve Fleet in 1953, and Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic Station in 1954, before retiring in 1956.