MICHELL John King Lieut

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Surname: MICHELL;

Forename(s): John King;

Initials: JK;

Rank: Lieut;

Resided in: Plymouth;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 52 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 268 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 42 Bn;

Awarded: MC, bar to MC;

Gallantry Notes: MC: For conspicuous gallantry in action. He repulsed with his section a counter attack by the enemy, and caused about 80 of them to drop their bombs and surrender. He has also done fine work rescuing the wounded.

bar to MC: For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership on 23 October 1918 near Romeries whilst in command of two sections of machine guns. He made a forward personal reconnaisance under very heavy shell fire and handled his command with great skill and determination. He succeeded in getting them into action so quickly that they were able to inflict great casualties on the enemy.

War Diary 52 Coy MGC 7/7/1916: "on the 7th July, this officer called for volunteers and went out in broad daylight to search for his superior officer who had been left in a shell hole, wounded. He approached to within 20/30 yards of German Trench (Quadrangle Support) and found a wounded soldier of Northumberland Fusiliers. He helped Pte Viggars to carry this man on his back whilst under shell and machine gun fire." Previously, on the 5th July, this officer did excellent work with his gun during an attempted counter attack on our trenches in front of Roans Wood (sic). 23rd Div had made a request for our MG to cooperate in an attack that they proposed making on a portion of the enemys line in front of Round Wood (sic). The enemy endeavoured to advance and 2lt Michell opened fire before they were able to reach his trench, occupied by the 10th West Ridings, the enemy dropping their bombs etc and holding up their hands.;

Other Data: Officers Papers: born 15/8/1896. Home address: Beauchamp House, Peverill, Plymouth. Occ: Student. Served Oxf Univ OTC 1915
Passed Oxf & Camb Exams July 1912 (aged 15): passed Latin, French, Elem Maths, Add Maths, Scripture, History and German (with distinction).
France March 1916 - Oct 1916. Home Oct 1916- Sept 1917 (contracted bronchitis on active service and admitted hospital 15/8/1917 German measles.)
France Sept 1917 - Jan 1919. Home Jan 1919 (bronchitis - to Fowey Aux Hosp) Fit for service 1/4/1919. Discharged (rank of Lt) Harrowby Camp, Grantham 24/4/1919
with No 2 section 268 Coy on formation Jan 1918
MC & bar, BWM,Vic sold by J Collins Medals, Oct '04 £2650 - offered Wellington Auctions Feb'13 & Gordons Collectibles May '13
confirmation of award of MC in 52 Coy war diary 7/8/1916
arrived in 52 Coy 2/5/1916;

Other Notes: MC: LG 25/8/1916 (Serving 52 Coy)
bar to MC: LG 8/3/1919 T/Lt MC (Mitchell) (Serving 42 Bn);

Related National Archives files: WO339/36796;

END OF RECORD.

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