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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 200

(x) A Second World War M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major (Warrant Officer Class I) J. A. Mitchell, Royal Montreal Regiment, touted as 'Canada's No. 1 Soldier', Mitchell possibly served on Operation Ambassador, the daring Commando Raid on Guernsey in July 1940

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, 2nd Type, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; Voluntary Service Medal, with Overseas Service Clasp; War Medal 1939-45, these last three Canadian issues in silver; Coronation 1937; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., Canada, with 3 Additional Service Clasps (C.S.M. (W.O.Cl.2.). J. A. Mitchell. R.M.R. (M.G.), mounted as worn, polished, very fine (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 8 January 1944.

The original Recommendation states:

'For particularly long and devoted service to his Regt and a complete desire to further the interests of the Army and for being an outstanding example in keeness, smartness and all round efficiency. Although offered the opportunity of recommendation for OCTU Course, he has elected to continue in his present rank and appointment where he feels his knowledge and length of service can be used to the best advantage of the Regt.

He is an extremely energetic soldier, well qualified in all weapons and has all the qualities of the ideal WO1. I have served with RSM Mitchell for over 15 years and cannot recommend him too highly for this award.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 9 August 1945.

James Albert Mitchell - or 'Jimmy Jesus' (as he always '...saved the day') to his comrades - joined the Royal Montreal Regiment in March 1927. Promoted Corporal in February 1928, he was advanced Sergeant in September 1929 and Acting Company Sergeant-Major to No. 1 Company in July 1934. Having earned a Best Shot Badge in 1934, he was re-engaged in January 1937. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he was transferred in September 1939 (No. D76000) and made Regimental Sergeant-Major on 7 September. The unit proceeded to England in December 1939.

Most interestingly, his Service Record states 'Field' from 11-18 July 1940, but the entry has been redacted. Typed research with the Lot states that he was posted to No. 11 Independent Company to share in their famous part in Operation Ambassador - the Raid on the German-occupied Channel island of Guernsey on 14-15 July. Either way, he returned to his unit and went to the Small Arms School at Netheravon afterwards. In May 1943, his unit became the 32nd Recce Armored Regiment and went on to serve with distinction in North-West Europe.

Having earned the M.B.E. and a 'mention' for his services during the Second World War, Mitchell was made Warrant Officer Class I in November 1946 and took the 3rd Clasp to his E.M. in February 1952. Finally retired in 1959, he was President of The Royal Montreal Regiment Association, Branch 14 Royal Canadian Legion in 1963; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,000

Starting price
£400