World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, he served as a Captain in the 1st Tunnelling Company, Canadian Engineers, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On the night of October 9, 1918, at the Canal de L'Escaut, north-east of CambraI, France, Captain Mitchell led squad to examine the various bridges on the line of approach and if possible, to prevent their demolition. On reaching the canal he found the first bridge already blown up. Under a heavy barrage he crossed to the next bridge, where he cut a number of enemy charge wires. Then in total darkness, unaware of the position or strength of the enemy at the bridgehead, he dashed across the main bridge over the canal. This bridge was found to be heavily charged for demolition and Captain Mitchell, assisted by one of his men was cutting the wires, the enemy attempted to rush the bridge in order to blow the charges. He at once dashed to the assistance of his sentry, who had been wounded, killed three of the enemy, captured 12 and maintained the bridgehead until reinforced. Then under heavy fire he continued his task of cutting wires and removing charges and saved the important bridge across the canal from destruction. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on January 31, 1919. He later served in world War II, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was the only Canadian military engineer to be vested the Victoria Cross award. He died at age 88 in Montreal, Canada.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, he served as a Captain in the 1st Tunnelling Company, Canadian Engineers, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On the night of October 9, 1918, at the Canal de L'Escaut, north-east of CambraI, France, Captain Mitchell led squad to examine the various bridges on the line of approach and if possible, to prevent their demolition. On reaching the canal he found the first bridge already blown up. Under a heavy barrage he crossed to the next bridge, where he cut a number of enemy charge wires. Then in total darkness, unaware of the position or strength of the enemy at the bridgehead, he dashed across the main bridge over the canal. This bridge was found to be heavily charged for demolition and Captain Mitchell, assisted by one of his men was cutting the wires, the enemy attempted to rush the bridge in order to blow the charges. He at once dashed to the assistance of his sentry, who had been wounded, killed three of the enemy, captured 12 and maintained the bridgehead until reinforced. Then under heavy fire he continued his task of cutting wires and removing charges and saved the important bridge across the canal from destruction. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on January 31, 1919. He later served in world War II, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was the only Canadian military engineer to be vested the Victoria Cross award. He died at age 88 in Montreal, Canada.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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