Denis Stuart Mitchell died of his wounds on this day in 1916
Denis Stuart Mitchell was born 25 July 1897 in Sydenham, London. His parents were Herbert Leigh Mitchell and Marion Alice née Poulton. He had an older brother, Ralph Eric, and an older sister, Margaret. The family lived at 1901 Wellington Road, Hastings.
Denis was initially educated at Foyle College, Londonderry.
He subsequently attended University School in Hastings where be became a Sergeant in the Cadet Corps.
On leaving college, Denis was articled to Messrs. Riches & Gray, Architects in Bexhill. He had passed his preliminary A.R.I.B.A. examination when, on 27 March 1915, he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. He served with his regiment in France and Flanders from November 1915. He played in the first Football and Cricket XIs and was considered a more than average golfer and chess player.
On 10 June 1916, he was wounded at Vimy Ridge and died the following day, 11 June 1916, of the wounds received.
The Battalion War Diary says that, on the 10th, the regiment was taking over the line from 2/Highland Light Infantry and, on the 11th, they were working hands on consolidating the new frontline and support lines. It says that "Pte. Mitchell [was] killed accidentally".
Denis is buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez.
His father enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in England and saw action in Gallipoli and Gibraltar. His older brother, Ralph, also enlisted in the AIF but died of asthma in December 1916.
3437 Private Denis Stuart Mitchell, 24th (Service) Battalion (2nd Sportsman) The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)