"Lance-corporal Andrew Mitchell, who was killed in action in France on July 22, was 27 years of age, and was the eldest son of Mr Robert Mitchell, builder, of Opoho. He was born in Melbourne, but was educated at the George Street School, Dunedin, where he was an apt pupil. His business life of an ironmonger was practically all spent with Messrs Laidlaw and Gray, of this city, in which firm his diligence, courtesy, reliability and good salesmanship were appreciated both by employers and customers. He was a member of the church worshipping in the Choral Hall, and was actively associated in Sunday school, Bible class, and other Christian work. He leaves four sisters and two brothers. He was a member of the 24th Reinforcements of Infantry when he left New Zealand, but at the time of his death was in the Lewis Machine Gun and Anti-aircraft Division." -ODT 22/8/1918
The description of Andrew's church is an interesting one. His military records show he was a member of the Bretheren. They also show that he was treated for urethritis - whether this indicates a venereal disease for Andrew is impossible to tell. He also spent a month in hospital at the end of 1917 - again, the word "sick" on his records tells us little.
Unfortunately, his cause of death is equally obscure. The Otago Infantry Regiment were in contact with German forces at Rossignol Wood, holding the line and sending out patrols. The Germans had blown up a number of pillboxes on July 20th and the Otagos were preparing for the next advance. Shellfire, sniper, accident - something killed Andrew Mitchell on July 22nd.
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