Main CPGW Record
Surname: MITCHELL
Forename(s): William Young
Place of Birth: Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire
Service No: 11091
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Scots Guards
Battalion / Unit: 1st Battalion
Division: Guards Division
Age: 30
Date of Death: 1918-09-20
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. D. 18.
CWGC Cemetery: SUNKEN ROAD CEMETERY, BOISLEUX-ST. MARC
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: BARDEN, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: BEAMSLEY, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: BOLTON ABBEY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
William Young Mitchell was the son of John and Annie Mitchell, née Young and brother of L/Sergeant John Mitchell (12888) (q.v.). Both of their parents were born in Scotland - their father at Lintrathen, Forfarshire.
1891 Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Census: Strid Cottage - William Mitchell, aged 5 years, born Bolton Abbey, son of John and Annie Mitchell.
1901 Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Census: Strid Cottage - William Mitchell, aged 15 years, born Bolton Abbey, son of John and Annie Mitchell.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte William Mitchell, 11091, S. Gds. Theatre of War: (1) France. Qualifying date [for 1914-15 Star]: 25.2.15. D. of W.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte William Mitchell, 11091, 1 S.G.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte William Mitchell, 11091, 1 Bn Scots Gds. Date and Place of Death: 20.9.18. 19 C.C. Stn. France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Executor - William A. Simpson. £36 17s. 9d.
William is commemorated in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh.
A short biography of William is included in: ‘Swaledale & Wharfedale Remembered – Aspects of Dales’ life through peace and war’ by Keith Taylor (2006).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
BOLTON ABBEY
MITCHELL, W., Scots Guards, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Strid Cottage, died of wounds Sept. 20, 1918.
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Private William Young MITCHELL
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Scots Guards
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: Guards Division
Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records
Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records
Surname: MITCHELL
Forename(s): William
Born: Bolton Abbey, Yorks
Residence: Bolton Abbey
Enlisted: Glasgow
Number: 11091
Rank: Gdsn
Regiment: Scots Guards
Battalion:
Decorations:
Died Date: 20/09/18
Died How: Died of wounds
Theatre of War: France & Flanders
Notes:
Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records
CWGC Data for Soldier Records
Surname: MITCHELL
Forename(s): W
Country of Service: United Kingdom
Service Number: 11091
Rank: Private
Regiment: Scots Guards
Unit: 1st Bn.
Age: 30
Awards:
Died Date: 20/09/1918
Additional Information: Son of the late John Mitchell, of Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey, Yorks.
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
18 January 1918
BOLTON ABBEY – DEATH OF THE DUKE’S HEAD FORESTER
Death has removed one of Bolton Abbey’s best known and highly respected residents in the person of Mr. John Mitchell, head forester to the Duke of Devonshire. Deceased, who was 64 years of age, passed away on Friday morning at his residence, Strid Cottage. He had a seizure on Monday evening, and never recovered. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Lentrelham [Lintrathen?], Kerriemuir, Forfarshire. Previous to coming to Bolton Abbey as head man for the Duke of Devonshire he was employed on the estates of the late Sir Thomas Gladstone and Sir Gordon Cumming, at Altyre, Aberdeenshire. He was held in high esteem by his fellow workers, and all who came in contact with him. His wife predeceased him eight years ago. He leaves two sons and four daughters to mourn his loss. Both of the sons are serving their country and are in France, John being in the Military Police, and William with the Scots Guards.
The funeral took place at the Abbey on Tuesday afternoon, and was largely attended by relations and friends…
[Father of Lance-Sergeant John Mitchell and Private William Young Mitchell.]
04 October 1918
MITCHELL – Private W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey, died of wounds received in France, September 20th, 1918, aged 30 years.
04 October 1918
BOLTON ABBEY FAMILY'S DOUBLE BEREAVEMENT
We regret to record the death (the news of which arrived during the past week) of Lance Sergeant J. Mitchell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and Private W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, sons of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey. The former was killed by a sniper, and his brother died of wounds in hospital in France.
Lance-Sergeant J. Mitchell was an old Skipton Grammar School boy. He was one of the first to enlist from the parish of Bolton Abbey, joining Kitchener’s Army in September 1914. He went to France in July 1915, came to England wounded in September 1915, returned to France in February 1916, was then transferred into the Military Police, and was with that unit until about three weeks ago, when he rejoined his old battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s. He was killed by a sniper on September 21st 1918. The following is the letter received by his wife on Saturday morning:–
“Dear Mrs. Mitchell, – I do not know whether you have had any news from anyone concerning your husband, Lance Sergeant Mitchell, but feel it my duty to write and inform you that he was killed about 2 a.m. on Saturday, 21st September. He was carrying out a very important duty in conducting two officers of the Machine Gun Corps to another part of our line to which he knew the best way, and it was while returning with the officers that he was caught by a sniper’s bullet, being instantly killed, the officers managing to get back in safety. The other two officers of our Company, Captain Sinclair, Jim Bird, and myself, were terribly cut up on hearing the sad news. Mr. Bird went out with Sergeant Harris, found his body and collected his personal effects which they brought back to our dug-out. Just where he was killed was a very dangerous place, and nothing further could be done at the time. About 5 a.m. the same morning, Captain Sinclair, Jim Bird and myself were all three wounded by one shell, and had to get away to the dressing station. Sergeant Harris was also wounded shortly afterwards. Under the circumstances I regret I am unable to give you any further particulars, and can only convey to you my very deepest sympathy. May God give you strength to bear your great loss. Your husband was loved by everyone and will be missed by all in the company. He had only been promoted from Lance Corporal to Lance Sergeant a week previous for good work, and during an attack which we made a few days before he did magnificent work. I only arrived here this morning, and have written you as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, H. Wood, Second-Lieutenant.”
The letter was written from Hyde Park Hospital, Plymouth. Sergeant Mitchell, prior to enlisting, was under his father, the late head forester on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate, whom he was going to succeed after the war was over as head forester. He was assistant forester at Hornby Castle, and also on the Marr Brodsworth Estate. Sergeant Mitchell leaves a wife and one child. His age was 36 years.
Private W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, was educated at the Keighley Trades and Grammar School. Like his brother he answered the call in the early stages of the war. He joined September 1914, went to France February 1915, was wounded and came to England August 1915, returned to France March 1916, was again wounded and sent home July 1917; returned to France, December 1917, was wounded September 18th, 1918, and died in hospital from wounds September 20th.
The following letter was received from the Sister of the hospital:– “I am sorry to tell you that your brother, Private Mitchell, was badly wounded in the face, hand and knee and gassed, and was admitted to our hospital on the 18th inst. Everything possible was done for him, but we could not save his life. He died yesterday at 3 p.m. He was in a comfortable bed, in a nice ward, and had every attention, and he was operated on by a very good surgeon. He will be buried to-day by the Church of England padre in the Military Cemetery at Boycelles with military honours. I cut off a piece of his hair, which I enclose.–I am, yours truly, K. E. Flower, Sister, I/c 19 C.C.S.”
Private Mitchell served his time as a mechanical engineer. He was with the firm of Messrs. Brown and Co., Clydesdale Works, Glasgow, up to enlisting. His age was 30 years, and he was unmarried.
The two brothers were very smart men, bore excellent characters, and were greatly respected in the parish, and will be greatly missed.
Great sympathy is felt for all the members of the family, this being the third bereavement they have been called upon to bear during the present year. Their father died in January last.
18 October 1918
BOLTON ABBEY – Memorial Service
An impressive service was held on Sunday afternoon at Bolton Abbey Church in memory of Sergeant J. Mitchell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and Private W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, brothers, whose death took place within a day of each other, as reported in the ‘Herald’ a fortnight ago. As the large congregation assembled, the Abbey organist, Mr. E.E. Moore, played ‘O Rest in the Lord,’ and ‘He that shall endure to the end.’ The service was conducted by the rector (the Rev. Cecil Tomlinson), and the choir led the singing, which included the 90th Psalm, and the hymns ‘My God, My Father while I stray,’ ‘Peace, Perfect Peace,’ and ‘They whose course on earth is o’er.’ The Rector preached from the words, “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” The members of the family present were Mrs. J. Mitchell (widow), Miss and Miss Bella Mitchell (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. J. Throup (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. and Mrs. W. Watson (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. T. Young (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. Mason (father and mother-in-law). Among the great assembly were noticeable the three oldest members of the estate who had worked under the deceased soldiers’ father for nearly thirty years, and who had hoped to have finished their time under his son, viz., Mr. Sylvester Lister, Mr. John Holmes and Mr. Harry Holmes. The service concluded with the 'Dead March' in ‘Saul.’
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
18 January 1918
BOLTON ABBEY
DEATH OF THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE’S HEAD FORESTER
We regret to announce the death of Mr. J. Mitchell, of Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey, head forester to the Duke of Devonshire on His Grace’s Bolton Abbey estate, after a brief illness of only a few days. Mr. Mitchell had a seizure on Monday of last week and died on Friday at the age of 64. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Tentrethan, Kerrimuir, Forfarshire, and was taught forestry in Edinburgh and Carlisle nurseries, also on the estates of Sir Thomas Gladstone and Sir Gordon Cummings, Altyre, Aberdeenshire, where he met his late wife, Miss A. Young, daughter of Mr. W. Young, East Quarter, Glasford, whom he married in 1881. He leaves six children – four daughters and two sons. The two sons, Pte. J. Mitchell, Military Police, and Pte. W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, are both serving at the front. Mr. Mitchell came to Bolton Abbey in March 1880, so that had he lived till March he would have been on the estate 38 years. The funeral took place at Bolton Abbey Church on Tuesday, and was largely attended, many coming from the adjoining parishes to pay their last tribute. The service was conducted by the rector (Rev. G. Tomlinson). The principal mourners were Miss Mitchell, Miss B. Mitchell (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. J. Throup (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. Young (brother-in-law), Mr. Frost and Mr. Watson (friends). Others present were: Dr. Bates, Dr. Crabtree, Mr. and Mrs. A. Downs, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hagar, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Lawson, Mr. and Mrs. C. Hustwick, Mrs. W. Whittaker, Mrs. Rooes, and Messrs. W.A. Simpson, R. Simpson, A. Davy, J. Cockshott, H. Carr, G. Demain, W. Demaine, G. Petyte, W. Hartley, H. Hartley, G. Wilson, T. Young, W. Moorhouse, R. Hagar, G. Almack, A. Green (Silsden), J. Hudson, T. Larkin, A. Fairburn, R. Haythornthwaite, W. Leech, J.T. Sutcliffe, E. Moorhouse, T. Brown, T. Moon, S. Lister (Barden), Reynoldson, and G. Atkinson. Floral tributes were sent by ‘Jen, Belle and Will,’ ‘Jack and Moll,’ ‘Jack and Mary,’ Mr. and Mrs. A. Green (Silsden), Mr. and Mrs. Downs, ‘Will and Annie,’ Mr. And Mrs. J. Green, Mr. and Mrs. S. Lister (Barden Tower), Mr. and Mrs. Watson (Ilkley), and the woodmen.
04 October 1918
MITCHELL – No. 17091 Pte. W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Mitchell, Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey, died of wounds received in France Sept. 20th, 1918, aged 30 years.
04 October 1918
Bolton Abbey Family’s Double Bereavement
The death has taken place in France of two brothers, Lance-Sergt. J. Mitchell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed by a sniper’s bullet on Sept. 21st, and Pte. W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, who died in hospital of wounds on Sept. 20th. They were sons of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Strid Cottage, Bolton Abbey; both of them enlisting in the early stages of the war, and having had over four years’ service. Sergt. Mitchell was 36 years of age and Pte. Mitchell 30.
Lance-Sergt. J. Mitchell, who was an old Skipton Grammar School boy, was one of the first batch of eight to enlist from Bolton Abbey. Joining Kitchener’s Army in September, 1914, he went out to France in July, 1915; came home wounded in September, 1915; returned to France in February, 1916; was then transferred into the Military Police, and served with that unit until he rejoined his old battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s, in August last. He was killed on Sept. 21st. The following letter has been received by his wife:– “Dear Mrs. Mitchell, – I do not know if you have yet had any news from anyone in the battalion concerning your husband, Lce.-Sergt Mitchell, but 1 feel it my duty to write and inform you that he was killed about 2 a.m. on Saturday, the 21st Sept. He was carrying out a very important duty in conducting two officers of the Machine Gun Corps to another part of our line, to which he knew the best way, and it was while returning with the officers that he was caught by a sniper’s bullet, being instantly killed, the officers managing to get back in safety. The other two officers of our company, Capt. Sinclair, Lieut. Bird, and myself were terribly cut up on hearing the sad news. Mr. Bird went out with Sergt. Harris, found his body, and collected his personal effects, which they brought back to our dugout. Just where he was killed was a very dangerous place, and nothing further could be done at the time. About 3 a.m. the same morning, Capt. Sinclair, Lieut. Bird, and myself were all three wounded by one shell;, and had to get away to the dressing station. Sergt. Harris was also wounded shortly afterwards. Under the circumstances I regret I am unable to give you any further particulars, and can only convey to you my very deepest sympathy. May God give you strength to bear your great loss. Your husband was loved by everyone, and will he missed by all in the company. He had only been promoted from lance-corporal to lance-sergeant a week previous for good work, and during an attack which we made a few days before he did magnificent work. I only arrived here this morning, and have written you as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, H. Wood, Second Lieutenant.” The letter was written from Hyde Park Hospital, Plymouth.
Pte. W. Mitchell was educated at the Keighley Trade and Grammar School. He enlisted in September, 1914, and went out to France in February, 1915, was wounded and came to London in August, 1915; returned to France in March, 1916: was again wounded July, 1917, and came to England, returning for the last time to France in December, 1917; he was wounded on Sept. 18th, and died in hospital in France from wounds Sept. 20th, the day before his brother was killed. The following letter has been received from the sister at the hospital:– “I am sorry to tell you that your brother, Pte. Mitchell, 17091, was badly wounded in the face, hand, and knee, and gassed, and was admitted to our hospital on the 18th inst. Everything possible was done for him, but we could not save his life. He died yesterday at 3 p.m. He was in a comfortable bed in a nice ward, and had every attention, and he was operated on by a very good surgeon. He will be buried today by the Church of England Padre in the Military Cemetery at Boycelles with military honour. I cut off a piece of his hair, which I enclose. I am, yours truly, K.E. Flower.”
The two brothers were very smart and capable men, with excellent characters, and had bright futures before them. Lce.-Sergt Mitchell had learned forestry at Little and Valentine’s Nurseries, Carlisle, had been assistant forester at Hornby Castle, and also on the Marr Brodsworth. Estate, and had he lived he was to succeed his father as head forester on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate at Bolton Abbey. Sergt. Mitchell was married. and leaves a wife and one child. Pte. Mitchell had served his time as a mechanical engineer, and up to enlisting was with the well-known firm of Messrs. Brown and Co., Clydesdale Works, Glasgow; he was not married. Great sympathy is felt for the family, as this is the third bereavement they have been called upon to bear during the present year; their father died in January.
18 October 1918
BOLTON ABBEY
On Sunday a memorial service was held in the Abbey Church in memory of Sergt. J. Mitchell, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and Pte. W. Mitchell, Scots Guards, whose deaths took place within a day of each other, as reported in the ‘Pioneer’ on Oct. 4th. A large company attended to pay their last tribute. The organist, Mr. E.E. Moore, played as voluntaries, ‘O rest in the Lord’ and ‘He that shall endure to the end.’ The Rector, Rev. C. Tomlinson, conducted the service, and preached from John II, part of 25th and 26th verses. At the conclusion of the service the organist played the ‘Dead March’ in ‘Saul,’ the congregation standing.
06 December 1918
Bolton Abbey and the War
The ecclesiastical parish of Bolton Abbey, which includes Beamsley, Barden, Bolton Abbey, Halton East & Hazlewood with Storiths, has worked with untiring energy and zeal since the commencement of the war. The following amounts have been raised for War Charities:– By collections in the Abbey church, £38 2s. 11d; by collections in Beamsley Wesleyan Chapel, £12 8s. 1½d; by collections in Barden Church, £3s. 3d [£3 3s]; by the Bolton Abbey working party, £385: by concert, arranged by Mrs. Herbert Carr £18 18s.; making a grand total of £459 15s. 3½d.
The roll of honour contains 97 names; eleven have given their lives in the great cause. These are:– Sylvester Hartley, John Fawcett, Basil Newall, Gill Morell, Herbert Holmes, George Binns, John Thomas Ideson, John Mitchell, William Mitchell, William Johnson and James Atkins. Two are at present prisoners in Germany, Dixon Robinson, Allan Hudson; three have been discharged as unfit, Alex Nelson, Norman Nelson, Frank Higgins; and one presumed killed but not definitely notified, Sec. Lieutenant C. Boothman, R.F.C. Each Christmas the lads from Bolton Abbey have received a parcel, and the greatest credit is due to the committee and Mrs. Downs, who has been secretary, for their labour of love.
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