George Allan Mitchell
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George Allan Mitchell (30 August 1911- 24 January 1944) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
[edit] Details
He was 32 years old, and a private in The London Scottish (Gordon Highlanders), British Army during the Second World War when he was awarded the VC.
On 23/24 January 1944 at Damiano Ridge, Italy, when an advance was held up by enemy machine-guns firing at point-blank range, Private Mitchell charged alone up the hill through intense Spandau fire, jumped into the weapon pit and killed the crew. The advance then continued, but shortly afterwards was again held up and this time Private Mitchell's assault on the position resulted in six of the enemy killed and 12 taken prisoner. He led two more successful attacks before falling dead, shot by one of the enemy who had surrendered.
[edit] The medal
For many years this medal was held by George Mitchell School in East London, probably the only maintained school to have two VCs awarded to ex-pupils (see also John Cornwell)
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
