Born in Hackney during 1896, son of William Henry (Commercial Clerk) and Elizabeth Matilda Mitchell. 1901: With his parents, sister Maude and brothers Horace & Percy at 17 Gotha Street, Hackney. In 1902 his mother died, so he and Percy were taken into care. 1911: These two lads are shown as Schoolboy Boarders with Frederick Palmer (Ledger Clerk) and his family at 12 Sunnyside Road, Leyton. It is speculation to wonder if they had been residents of the Barnardo’s Boy’s Village at Woodford Bridge, which would account for their association with the nearby 3rd Epping Forest Scout Troop. It is known that William was a Boy Scout there, while Percy held the position of Assistant Scoutmaster - perhaps having been a Scout like his younger brother.
William lived in Southwark during August 1914 when he enlisted with 1 Battalion of the Territorial London Regiment at their Headquarters in Handel Street, Bloomsbury. After training he arrived in France on 11th March 1915.
On 15th September 1916, as part of 167 Brigade, the Battalion was engaged in the Battle of Flers Courcellette which was one of the continuing actions of the Somme Campaign.
The Brigade were to advance northwards, extending and reinforcing defences through the top part of Bouleaux Wood, which they would then clear of Germans before linking with 6 Division. They would be supported in their objectives by a single tank (the second having lost a track). This was a moment in history, because this was the first time these new weapons were committed to the battlefield.
The tank moved slowly off at 06.00 towards Middle Copse. The infantry attack on began at 06.20 with 1 London moving towards Middle Copse, but they soon faced very heavy machine gun fire. They reached the Copse and dug in to hold the ground, being passed by men from the Middlesex Regiment who were to continue the advance. However, German resistance was too strong, and they were forced back. At the conclusion of the battle, the Brigade had not progressed beyond those 1 London positions at Middle Copse.
A little progress had been made during the day, but among the casualties was Private William Mitchell. Like his brother, he was reinterred in his current grave having been brought in with others after the war.
In addition to William Mitchell, another former member of the Scout Troop was killed during this battle. Albert Hendrick Lyth was with 26 Royal Fusiliers who were attacking Flers and Grid trenches.
X/R: Sergeant Percy James Mitchell (Brother).
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Regimental History
Scouts Roll of Honour