Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte. C.A. Mitchell, 14th Royal Montreal Regiment, KIA at Battle of the Canal du Nord, 1918

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 308202 PTE. C.A. MITCHELL. 14-CAN. INF., original ribbon, light wear, near extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 308202 PTE. C.A. MITCHELL. 14-CAN. INF., original ribbon, minor gilt loss, light wear, very fine. 

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse engraved 3082020 Pte. C.A. MITCHELL, marked STERLING on 6 o’clock arm, missing ribbon, minor wear, extremely fine. 

A Memorial Plaque, in bronze, full size, named to CHARLES ALFRED MITCHELL, marked W on the reverse, minor wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Charles Alfred Mitchell was born in Montreal, in 1896. He was employed as an automobile mechanic, living in Mile End, Montreal during the war. He underwent a medical examination for service in October 1917, and joined the First Quebec Regiment in February 1918. 

He arrived in England in April 19198, and was serving in France as of August. He was struck off strength to the 14th battalion on August 19, 1918. 

At the end of September 1918, the 14th Canadian Infantry Battalion (part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division) was engaged in the final stages of the Hundred Days Offensive, the series of Allied attacks that ultimately ended World War I.

The battalion was involved in the Battle of the Canal du Nord (September 27–October 1). This battle was part of the Canadian Corps’ advance against the German Hindenburg Line in northern France. On September 27, 1918, the 14th Battalion took part in the initial assault, advancing through a dry section of the canal under heavy fire. They faced stiff resistance but managed to secure key objectives as part of the broader Canadian effort to break the German lines.

Their actions contributed to one of the most successful and strategically important Canadian operations of the war, bringing the Allies closer to final victory.

Mitchell was killed in action on September 27, 1918, during an attack south west of sains-les-marquion, during the Battle of Canal du Nord.