Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Private J. Mitchell, 5th (Hackney) Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, later 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, who was amongst the first to land on Juno Beach on ‘D Day’, 6 June 1944

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (5337223 Pte. J. Mitchell. Devon) mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (5) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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John Mitchell was born in Glasgow in 1917. Moving to Clapton, London he was employed as a Shop Assistant when he attested for the Territorial Army at Hackney on 20 February 1939. Joining the 5th (Hackney) Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, he attended annual camp in 1939 before being embodied for War service on 1 September 1939 as a Signaller with the 5th Battalion. Embarking with his battalion on 2 June 1944 he landed on Juno Beach at Bernieres-sur-Mer on 6 June 1944; his battalion was amongst the first ashore on Juno Beach. After the Battalion completed their task on the beach they were broken up with men posted to other infantry battalions. Mitchell was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment and he served with them in their advance into Belgium, Holland, the crossing of the Rhine, and finally entered Berlin on 4 July 1945. He was disembodied on 25 March 1946 and was awarded his Efficiency Medal on 31 July 1946. In civilian life he became a Foreman Shoemaker living in Romford, Essex. He died in Dagenham on 5 April 1982, aged 64.

Sold with copied service records confirming medal entitlement and other research.