Gunner, horse whisperer, postman, and my Great Grandfather. I never met him, but he has been an inspiration, nevertheless. Anzac Day seems a fitting day to remember this courageous soldier.
by Martin Harris 25/4/25
Source: William Henry Mitchell, Shipley WWI
William Henry Mitchell
b. 24 June 1880 Bradford Yorkshire, England,
d. 13 January 1960, Shipley, Yorkshire, England
Family folklore has it that William Henry was one of twins – no record of that found as yet.
(Source: daughter – Hilda Collins)
Wil – as he was commonly known, enlisted in the British Army as soon as he was of age, and served in the BOER and First World Wars. Previously in the volunteers, he enlisted originally on 1 February 1900, Regimental No 2583. 1901 Census records show him as a Gunner, 148Th Battery RFA, 49th Bde Div R 74, RA Hut Barracks, Ewshott, Hampshire, aged 20.
Target practice records of 1907/8 show him as a first-class marksman. He re-enlisted twice during his period of service, finally being officially discharged on 31 March 1920. His discharge papers actually show his residence as 60 Barrett Street, Shipley.
Official World War I records state:
“Mitchell, W. Gunner, Royal Field Artillery. He volunteered October 1915.
In December embarked for France. He fought in many battles including Hill 60, Loos, Ypres, Cambrai, Somme, Passchendaele, then Vimy Ridge and Arras during Allied advances 1918.
He was awarded the 1914/5 Star, the General Service and Victory medals.
Demobbed August 1919. Residence: 14 Saplin St, Manningham.”
Later, during WW2 he served his country in the Home Guard.
(See photo above)
Following the war he was involved with the British Legion Club, and I well remember his efforts to make Poppy Day a success. The local postman for Shipley, he was well known in the local area.
SOURCE: Family Tree research archives by Christine Harris nee Mitchell (excerpt)
With the world poised on the precipice of a third world war, let us take courage from noble and valiant men like my Great Grandfather William Henry Mitchell. Martin
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