Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lance-Corporal C. Mitton, 17th (Manchester Pals) Battalion, Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916

British War and Victory Medals (8763 Pte. C. Mitton. Manch. R.); Memorial Plaque (Charles Mitton) in card envelope, good very fine (3) £240-£280

Charles Mitton was born in Hulme, Manchester, and attested Manchester Regiment at Manchester. He served with the 17th (2nd Manchester Pals) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. On this date the Battalion, together with the 16th (1st Manchester Pals) Battalion, assembled in Cambridge Copse for an attack on Montauban and moved forward along the east side of Talus Boisé at 8:30 a.m. The Official History of the Great War notes the advance of both battalions being made with remarkable steadiness and enthusiasm. They reached Train Alley and awaited orders to move on, before continuing the advance, entering Montauban at 10:05 a.m. Casualties through were heavy, including all the company commanders.

Mitton was amongst those killed, and he is buried in the A.I.F. Burial Ground at Flers, France.