Charles Herbert was born in Montreal on 15th October 1887 the youngest son of James Albert and Amy Mitchell (nee Parry) who were married on the 20th October 1879 at St. James' Church, New Brighton. James was a 27 year old book keeper of Camden Street, Liverpool, his father, Albert, was a cabinet maker, whilst Amy was aged 23 of Liscard, her father, Samuel, was an architect. They emigrated to Canada shortly after the wedding. They returned about 1888.
They had 10 children, sadly two of whom died very young. Of the surviving children, George, Dora, Samuel and Charles were all born in Montreal, Amy and Grace were born in Wallasey and Jane and Mary were born in Liverpool.
The Census of 1891 shows the family living at 6 Bridgecroft Road, Wallasey. Charles H. is aged 3, born in Canada and is at school, he lives with his parents and four siblings. His father is a 38 year old bar keeper born in Liverpool in 1853, whilst his mother is 34 years of age born in Liverpool in 1857. His siblings are listed as; George F. aged 9, Dora aged 7, Samuel is aged 5 and Amy E. aged 1.
By 1901 the family are living at 6 Dell Street, Holt Road Liverpool where Charles H. is aged 13. He lives with his parents and seven siblings. His father is now 48 years of age and an accountant's clerk, whilst his mother is 44. His siblings are listed as; George aged 19 and an accountant's clerk, Dora aged 17, Samuel is aged 15 and employed as a clerk, Amy is 11, Grace 9, Jane 6 and Mary 3.
There is no trace of Charles Herbert on the 1911 Census which shows the family are still living at 6 Dell Street. Both parents are in the household along with six children. His parents advise that have been married for 31 years and have had 10 children two of whom have died. Those children recorded in the household are: George Frederick a 29 year old commercial clerk, Samuel now 25 is a commercial clerk in the Jute trade, Amy Elizabeth a 21 year old shop assistant, Grace 19, Jane 16 and Mary 13.
Charles Herbert joined the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment with the service number of 24757.
At some point he was transferred to the 12th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment and died of wounds on 19th December 1917, aged 30.
Charles now rests at Mont Huon Military Cemetery where his headstone bears the epitaph:
"YOUNGEST SON OF ALBERT AND AMY MITCHELL. LIVERPOOL".
During the First World War, Le Treport was an important hospital centre and by July 1916, the town contained three general hospitals (the 3rd, 16th and 2nd Canadian), No.3 Convalescent Depot and Lady Murray's B.R.C.S. Hospital. The 7th Canadian, 47th and 16th USA General Hospitals arrived later, but all of the hospitals had closed by March 1919. As the original military cemetery at Le Treport filled, it became necessary to use the new site at Mont Huon. There are now 2,128 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and seven from the Second World War. The cemetery also contains more than 200 German war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
His death was reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on Friday 13th December 1918;
MITCHELL - In loving memory of SAMUEL PERCY (private K.L.R, Pals), who died in France of wounds September 12, 1917. Also CHARLES HERBERT (sergeant K.L.R. Pals), died of wounds December 19, 1917, and sons of James A. and Amy, 6 Dell Street.
A bitter loss, a shock severe,
To part with two we loved so dear.
His death was the second loss that his family had to endure in just one week as his brother Samuel Percy died of wounds on 12th December 1917.
Samuel Percy now rests at Wimmereux Communal Cemetery at VIII.A.26.A where his headstone bears the epitaph:
"SON OF JAMES ALBERT AND AMY MITCHELL OF LIVERPOOL".
His Soldiers Effects, army pay of £9 13s 6d, war gratuity of £17 went to father James, no pension record found.
Both Charles Herbert and Samuel Percy Mitchell are commemorated in the Book of Remembrance in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa.
On the 1921 Census at 6 Dell Street, his father is aged 69, a retired chartered accountant living with wife Amy 64, and children George 40, Amy 31, Jane 27 and Mary 23.
Both brothers are also commemorated on the War Memorial at St Cyprians, Edge Hill.
Their mother died, aged 65, in the June quarter of 1922.
Their father died, aged 72, in the September quarter of 1925.
We currently have no further information on Charles Herbert Mitchell. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.
