Mitchell Avenue

Montreal,
Type
Other

Mitchell Avenue is named in honour of Lieutenant-Colonel Coulson "Norman" Mitchell, VC, MC, RCE.

Coulson “Norman” Mitchell was born in Winnipeg in December 1889. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1912 with a degree in civil engineering. He initially worked for a company with projects in Manitoba and BC but enlisted as a Sapper in November 1914 and embarked for overseas service shortly afterwards. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Sergeant in November 1915 before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in April 1916. In December 1916, he was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at “The Bluff” in the Ypres Salient. On 8-9 October 1918, Captain Mitchell earned the Victoria Cross at the Canal de L’Escaut, France when he removed the explosive charges on a critical bridge that the enemy was about to detonate (see citation below). After the war, Mitchell returned to Winnipeg to practice civil engineering but re-joined the military with the outbreak of WW II. Assigned to the Royal Canadian Engineers at Camp Borden, he left for England in 1940, but returned to Canada in 1943 and was appointed Commandant of the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC in 1944. After the war, Mitchell moved to Montreal (Town of Mount Royal) where he died in November 1978. He is buried at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, QC.

Inscription

“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the night of 8th-9th October, 1918, at the Canal de L’Escaut, north-east of Cambrai.

He led a small party ahead of the first wave of infantry in order to examine the various bridges on the line of approach and, if possible, to prevent their demolition.

On reaching the canal he found the bridge already blown up. Under a heavy barrage he crossed to the next bridge, where he cut a number of ‘lead’ wires. Then in total darkness, and unaware of the position or strength of the enemy at the bridgehead, he dashed across the main bridge over the canal. This bridge was found to be heavily charged for demolition, and whilst Capt. Mitchell, assisted by his N.C.O., was cutting the wires, the enemy attempted to rush the bridge in order to blow the charges, whereupon he at once dashed to the assistance of his sentry, who had been wounded, killed three of the enemy, captured 12, and maintained the bridgehead until reinforced.

Then under heavy fire he continued his task of cutting wires and removing charges, which he well knew might at any moment have been fired by the enemy.

It was entirely due to his valour and decisive action that this important bridge across the canal was saved from destruction.”

(London Gazette, no.31155, 31 January 1919)

Visitor information

Location
Mitchell Avenue

Mitchell Avenue
Montreal
GPS Coordinates
Lat. 45.5091062
Long. -73.6548127
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