| Birth | 1893, Greatbridge, Romsey, Hants | |
| Parents | ||
| Residence | Alton, Hants | |
| Occupation | ||
| Enlisted | Aldershot, Hants in 1915 | |
| Regiment | 10th Battalion Hampshire Regiment | |
| Regimental No: | 10489 | |
| Rank | Private | |
| Service Record | Died soon after landing at Gallipoli | |
| Death | 21st August 1915, killed in action, aged 22 | |
| Theatre of War | Gallipoli | |
| Commemoration | Helles Memorial | |
| Medals | 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal | |
| Edward Mitchell was born in Greatbridge, Romsey, in 1893. He was the son of Francis and Tabitha Mitchell and, in the 1911 Census, the family were living at Grange Farm Cottages, Herriard, near Basingstoke. Edward was a farm carter. He enlisted at the end of 1914 and served as 10489 Private Edward Mitchell, with the 10th Battalion Hampshire Regiment. Having undergone final training at Basingstoke, the 10th Battalion sailed for Gallipoli from Liverpool on 7th July 1915, via Mudros. It landed at Anzac Cove on 6th August and went into action on Sari Bair. This particular battle lasted until 10th August. Edward was killed in action on 21st August 1915, aged 22. We believe he died fighting at Hill 60. Hill 60, so named because of its height in metres above sea level, was the only prominent feature between Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay, so its capture was strategically important. The 10th Hampshire Battalion supported the 4th Australian Infantry Brigade on the right of the line during the attack in the afternoon of 21st August. At the start of the day numbers stood at 5 Officers and 330 Other Ranks. By the end of the day, the Battalion stood at 4 Officers and 177 Other Ranks. August was a particularly bad month for all those fighting at Gallipoli. The casualties in the 10th Battalion Hampshires were far fewer than many other Battalions. The attack on the hill was eventually abandoned on 27th August 1915. 2,500 Allied casualties had been incurred. Private Edward Mitchell was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey, Panel 125-134 or 223-226, 228-229 & 328. |
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| It is unknown at this time why his name is included on the Froyle War Memorial. However, as he is mentioned on the village’s Roll of Honour, he must have been living there at the time of his enlistment. | ||
| It’s interesting to note that the 10th Hampshire Battalion’s war diary for 21st August 1915 records them fighting alongside a detachment of The Ghurkas: | ||
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