Duncan Campbell was born on 14 April 1907 in the Parish of Fodderty, Ross-shire, Scotland. His father was a carpenter. He matriculated at the University of Glasgow, Scotland in 1924 and studied Mathematics, Chemistry, Heat Engines, Mechanics and Electrical Engineering, graduating BSc in Engineering in 1928. He served in the Royal Navy with the rank of Captain. He died in August 1989.
From the guide to the Papers of Captain Duncan Campbell, 1907-1989, engineering graduate, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1924-1928, (Glasgow University Archive Services)