Captain Alan Robert Mitchell

Alan Robert Mitchell was born in Daylesford, Victoria, on 24 September 1891, the younger of two sons born to parents Robert James Mitchell and Jane Laurie Mitchell (neé Johnston).

Prior to his enlistment Mitchell was employed as a clerk for Victorian Railways. His father was station master at Warracknabeal railway station.

Mitchell enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at Melbourne on 19 February 1915 and was attached to the Australian Army Pay Corps (AAPC), Australian Records Section, 3rd Echelon General Headquarters, and was promoted to sergeant at enlistment. Mitchell embarked from Melbourne on the troopship Runic on 25 February 1915 and disembarked in Cairo, Egypt, in early April and was taken on strength with the AAPC. In June 1915 Mitchell was promoted to staff sergeant.

In May 1916 Mitchell departed Alexandria, Egypt, and was taken on strength with the AAPC in London. During his service period in London, on 24 June 1916 Mitchell participated in a concert of “Anzac Entertainment” held at the Central Hall, Westminster. The concert was held in recognition of the services rendered by the voluntary workers of the Anzac Club and Buffet and the Australian Natives’ Association. Mitchell sang in two duets: “Where my caravan has rested” and “Watchman, what of the night?” and a solo in “Land of hope and glory”.

In August 1916 Mitchell was promoted to warrant officer Class 1, and to 2nd lieutenant in September 1916. On 25 October 1916 Mitchell was sent to France and taken on strength at the Base Pay Office, Rouen. From December 1916 he joined the 4th Australian Division as Field Cashier and promoted to lieutenant.

While on active service overseas Mitchell married Winifred Isabel Brown, a professional singer, at Golders Green, England on 4 February 1918.
During his duty in France Mitchell was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatches of 7 April 1918 and 16 March 1919 for conspicuous services rendered. After a period of leave in London in August 1919 Mitchell was attached to AIF Headquarters for duty in London until March 1920.
Mitchell embarked from London with his wife for return to Australia on the troopship Orsova on 7 April 1920 with the rank of honorary captain and as officer commanding troops and paymaster. Mitchell’s appointment was terminated on 11 August 1920.

Following his return from active service, Mitchell settled in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, and resumed working as a clerk, residing at the same address until about 1949. The couple had two children, Marion and Athalie. From 1954 Mitchell is recorded as living in Nunawading, Victoria, and was retired.

Mitchell enlisted in the Australian Army at Essendon, Victoria on 12 August 1942 and was discharged on 29 November 1946 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Alan Robert Mitchell died on 18 June 1977 at Montrose, Victoria, at the age of 86. Winifred Mitchell died in Victoria on 5 November 1974.