Private GEORGE ALLAN MITCHELL

The citation in the London Gazette of 8th August, 1944, gives the following details: On the night of 23/24th January 1944, a company of the London Scottish was ordered to make a local attack on a part of the Damiano ridge, north-east of Minturno. A section of this company was responsible for carrying out a flanking attack on some enemy machine-guns which were holding up the advance. This section consisted of a Lance-Corporal and three privates, who were joined by Private Mitchell (the 2-inch mortarman from platoon headquarters) and another private. When an enemy machine-gun post opened fire on them at point-blank range, Private Mitchell, dropping his mortar, charged the position alone with a rifle and bayonet, and silenced the gun. Then the advance of the platoon was shortly after held up again, Private Mitchell once more dashed forward, followed by the remainder of his section, who helped him to capture this next German position. Another machine-gun opened fire on the section as it was reorganising, and again Private Mitchell ran forward alone and silenced it, killing the crew. He then led the final assault up to the crest of the hill and was mainly instrumental in forcing the remainder of the enemy to surrender. A few minutes later, he was shot by a German who had surrendered. Throughout this operation Private Mitchell displayed courage and devotion to duty of the very highest order. His complete disregard of the enemy fire, the fearless way in which he continually exposed himself and his refusal to accept defeat so inspired his comrades that together they succeeded in overcoming and defeating an enemy who was both superior in numbers and helped by all the advantages of the ground.