An Historically Important "BATTLE OF ARRAS"
MILITARY MEDAL, 1914-15 TRIO, PLAQUE & SCROLL
(CASUALTY at CAMBRAI)

To:

L/13805. Sgt, ARTHUR MITCHELL. 9th Bn (CITY of LONDON) ROYAL FUSILIERS.
DIED OF WOUNDS. 21st NOVEMBER 1917
















[HISTORY] ARTHUR G. MITCHELL was born in NOTTING HILL, LONDON. Prior to WW1 he was a resident of HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX. Alfred entered France on 8th December 1915 as a Lance Corporal and was later promoted to Sergeant.

[SOMME]
Alfred and his unit fought bravely on The Somme and on the evening of 1st July 1916 they were in La Boiselle (near the Lochnagar Crater).

[ARRAS]
After comprehensive attack practice and training (early-mid March 1917) with dummy tanks and spotter aircraft, Alfred and his fellows took part in The Battle of Arras and attacked on DAY ONE ("Z" Day) of the battle on 9th April 1917. Extracts from the war diary ( included ) show the attack starting at 05:30am from the direction of SOUTH ARRAS to North of VIMY RIDGE. They attacked with 7th Bn Middlesex Regt on their right and 7th Somerset on their left. The battalion's objectives were the line of strong points from HOUDAIN LANE---HABARCO TRENCH----HULST TRENCH. All objectives were taken together with 220 German Prisoners and 2 Machine Guns. This for a cost of 1 Officer killed, 3 wounded and 117 other ranks killed, wounded or missing. Based on the LG Date of 9th July 1917 it is clear that Alfred won his MM on this day, 1st Day Battle of Arras. Almost certainly for rescuing casualties under heavy fire.

[CAMBRAI]
The next war diary copies run from 1st - 30th November , with the entry of 20th November 1917 dealing with the famous attack on the HINDENBURG LINE ( CAMBRAI OFFENSIVE ) which started at a Zero Hour of 06:20am. The diary relates that 'very secret' preparations and night time activity has been taking place in preparation for the attack. The local attack is shown as utilising TANKS and eight guns. It was a success but with very heavy casualties sustained, one of which was Alfred Mitchell who was fatally wounded by a gunshot in the upper femur which was badly fractured by the bullet and having almost certainly cut his femural artery, caused major loss of blood. He was moved to No.55 Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds the next day, 21st NOVEMBER 1917.



ALFRED RESTS AND IS REMEMBERED WITH ETERNAL HONOUR AT TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, FRANCE.

A Very Emotive group with links to three of the most famous battles of The Great War. Medals are practically 'Mint State'. Trio on original ribbons. Plaque is cleaned AEF, Scroll is original but has been slightly trimmed and has corner holes from ex-pin mounting. Comes with relevant copy war diaries and copy MIC, LG & CWG papers.

£1850 (SOLD) with part-exchanges welcome.