The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (3588) Driver Harry Mitchell MM, 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade, Second World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Robyn Siers, the story for this day was on (3588) Driver Harry Mitchell MM, 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade, Second World War.

3588 Driver Harry Mitchell MM, 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade
DOW 4 October 1917
Photograph: P04327.001

Story delivered 1 April 2015

Today we remember and pay tribute to Driver Harry Mitchell, who died during the First World War.

Harry Mitchell was born in 1897 in Ballina, New South Wales, the eldest of Charles and Fanny Mitchell’s nine children. Harry attended the Superior Public School in Ballina, and spent several years in the cadets. Perhaps this experience influenced his decision to enlist in August 1915. Because he was under the age of 21, his parents had to give their consent.

Harry was first assigned to reinforcements to the 25th Battalion. After several months in a training camp, he embarked for Egypt in early January 1916 on HMAT Kyarra. Upon his arrival Harry was transferred to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion and was sent to France. In July 1916 he was transferred again and appointed gunner for the 1st Battery of the 1st Field Artillery Brigade.

In November 1916 Harry was admitted to hospital in France suffering from trench foot. The mud and slush of the battlefield during the winter months meant that men struggled to stay warm and dry and many developed painful and debilitating blisters or sores on their feet. Harry was bad enough to be transferred to hospital in England in December.

While recovering in England Harry underwent further training at the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery, Larkhill. He re-joined his unit in France in June 1917, and in July was appointed to driver. In this role he became responsible for the transport of ammunition and supplies for his battery.

In early October 1917 Harry’s unit was engaged at Westhoek, as part of the larger Allied attack on German positions during the battle of Broodseinde Ridge. Harry and another driver supplied their gunners with ammunition under heavy fire, and for their work the two men were recommended for Military Medals. The officer in charge of the 1st Battery wrote:

These Drivers have been conspicuous in devotion to their work and horses carrying ammunition in the short time available – setting a fine example of gallantry and enthusiasm.

For Harry, this award would be posthumous. He was hit by shrapnel, and though he received treatment at the 17th Casualty Clearing Station, he died from his wounds on 4 October. At the time of his death Harry was just a few months past his 20th birthday.

He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, near Poperinghe, Belgium. The cemetery contains the graves of some 9,900 Commonwealth servicemen, as well those belonging to French and German soldiers.

Harry Mitchell’s name is listed on the Roll of Honour to my right, along with the names of more than 60,000 other Australians who died fighting in the First World War. His photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is just one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Gunner Harry Mitchell, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.

Dr Kate Ariotti
Historian, Military History Section

Sources:
www.ancestry.com

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour circular

Australian War Memorial Embarkation Roll, HMAT Kyarra, Brisbane, 3 January 1916

Australian War Memorial honours and awards

National Archives of Australia, Harry Mitchell: application to enlist; casualty form – active service; field service – report of death of a soldier.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery details, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery