Sir Colin Campbell (1792-1863) rose through the ranks of the British army to lead several key military campaigns, including the Battle of Balaklava and the Indian Mutiny. He was known for his cautious and logical strategies, which earned him respect and minimized casualties.

Colin Campbell was born in Glasgow, Scotland on October 20, 1792, the son of a carpenter and cabinet maker with the surname of Macliver. In the late eighteenth century, British military officers were generally drawn from the ranks of the aristocracy. Because of his humble origins, young Colin would normally have been barred from such a career. However, the maternal side of his family had aristocratic connections and an uncle was able to secure a commission for him in the Ninth Foot (Infantry) Regiment in 1802. His uncle registered the boy with the name of Campbell, a respected surname at the time. Young Colin kept the new name...