Born in Australia into a cadet branch of the Scottish Campbells of Craignish, he was widely regarded as the hero of the Battle of Gravelotte in 1870, and was awarded the title 'Baron of Craignish' by the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in recognition in 1882. He was an Equerry of the Duke. He petitioned Queen Victoria to use the title in Great Britain, and after an objection by Lord Strathearn, was allowed the title 'Baron Campbell von Laurentz'.