Directory

Donald Campbell (1921-1967), was the son of Sir Malcolm Campbell. He made several attempts on the world water speed record in Bluebird II, which had a turbo-jet engine generating 4000 horse-power. In just over three years, Mr. Campbell broke the record in his celebrated jetboat Bluebird four times. In July 1955 he reached 202 m.p.h. on Ullswater in Cumbria. In November of the same year he touched 216 m.p.h. In September 1956 he averaged just over 225 m.p.h., and in November 1957 he reached 239.07 m.p.h. His aim was to better 300 miles per hour, which he did on 4th January 1967 on Coniston Water in Cumbria, but the craft, 'Bluebird', shot up into the air and disappeared into the lake. Until early in 2001, his body had never been found. On 8 March 2001, Bluebird was raised from the bed of Coniston Water, and on 28 May the remains of what was later proved to be Campbell's body were brought from the lake. A memorial service was held in Coniston church on 12 September 2001, and his body buried in the churchyard.