Harry Thorne "Mitch" Mitchell

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MITCHELL, P/O Harry Thorne (41447) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.87 Sq.
awarded as per London Gazette dated 11 February 1941.

No published citation other than "for gallantly and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations" Attached to RCAF in Canada, 8 January 1941. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date; AFRO 464/42 dated 27 March 1942 reported his promotion to Flight Lieutenant, effective 6 January 1942, while still with a RAF school in Canada. Air Ministry Bulletin 2957 refers. Public Records Office Air 2/8888 has recommendation dated 14 September 1940:

This officer served with the squadron in France and during engagements against large numbers of enemy aircraft displayed great courage and devotion to duty and destroyed three enemy aircraft.

He was a member of a formation that attacked a large enemy formation of bombers and escort fighters over Portland on the 25th August 1940. In this action the squadron destroyed ten enemy bomber aircraft and turned the enemy away.

This officer has always given his utmost support to his section leader and his devotion to duty is of the highest order. He has destroyed three enemy aircraft during action over England making six victories in all.

The same file has a refined citation for presentation to Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee:

This officer served with the squadron in France and destroyed three enemy aircraft. On 25th August 1940 he was member of a formation which attacked a large enemy formation of bombers and escort fighters over Portland. In this action the squadron destroyed ten enemy bombers. He has always given his utmost support to his section leaders and his devotion to duty has been of the highest order. Pilot Officer Mitchell has destroyed 16 [should read 6] enemy aircraft.

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MITCHELL, F/O Harry Thorne (41447) - Mention in Dispatches
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 17 March 1941.

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WESTERN AIRMEN EAGER TO FIGHT
Veterans of Present War Anxious to Return to Air Battle

A West Coast Canadian Port, May 4, 1942 — Action-hungry fighter pilots, some of whom fought with distinction in the Battle of Britain, are manning a Pacific coast defence station of the Royal Canadian Air Force with itching trigger fingers.
"It rather gets you, this game," said Flight Lieut. H. T. Mitchell, D.F.C., of Port Hope, a member of the "Thunderbird" squadron stationed here. "We'd like to go anywhere for action. If it ever comes here we are ready and the boys will give a good account of themselves. They are a grand bunch and rarin' to go — and they can go, believe me."
The squadron is commanded by Squadron Leader A. D. Nesbitt, D.F.C., 27, Montreal-born investment dealer who joined the R.C.A.F. in 1939 and went overseas in June, 1940, just in time for the Nazi air blitz on the British Isles. Another veteran of the Battle of Britain is Flight Lieut. J. W. Kerwin, 23, of Toronto, credited with three Nazi planes before he was shot down himself in September, 1940.
The fighter squadron is named after the Thunderbird, which in the mythology of the coast Indians was regarded as ruler of the skies. Its pilots average 22 years of age and hail from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the United States.
Flight Lieut. Kerwin joined the R.C.A.F. in January, 1939, and went overseas in June, 1940. On September 1 his gas tank was riddled and his plane caught fire at 17,000 feet, but he bailed out safely.
Flight Lieut. Mitchell, who has spent most of his 22 years in England, joined the R.A.F. in 1938 and flew Hurricanes in France before Dunkirk, being credited with downing three Nazi planes before the blitz. When it came he was credited with 4 more. He received the D.F.C. a year ago.

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Victories Include :

6.5 / 0 / 1

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--- Canadian Aces ---

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