More about Robert Watt Mitchell

Robert was the brother of Pte Alexander Mitchell 34821, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers who died of wounds 24.04.1917.

DOW in Hospital Gibraltar (GSW left thigh) ex-SS “Royal George.” (accidentally shot aboard ship en-route between UK & Gibraltar).

                                                                                                              DUNDEE MEMBER OF HOWE BATTALION

DIES OF WOUNDS IN HOSPITAL

Mrs. A. Mitchell, who resides at Kinloch Place, Dundee, has received official intimation that her son, A.B. Robert Watt Mitchell, Howe Battalion, Clyde R.N.V.R., died of wounds in the Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar, on 12 inst.

The official news stated that he sustained a gunshot wound in the left thigh. The last news Mrs. Mitchell received from her son referred to the 11th inst, as his fourth day at sea.  A.B. Mitchell was 21 years of age, and enlisted three months ago.  He was home on Furlough several weeks ago.  He was formerly employed by the Dundee Supply Company Commercial Street.

Dundee Courier September 21st 1915

SEAMAN DIES FROM WOUNDS

News has been received of the death from wounds in the Royal Naval Hospital, Gibraltar of Seaman Robert Watt Mitchell, of the Howe Battalion, 2nd Royal Naval Brigade, Royal Naval Division.  Seaman Mitchell, who was 21 years of age, was a son of Mr Alexander Mitchell, Kinloch Place, 105 Hawkhill, Dundee.

The Peoples Journal September 25th 1915

Able Seaman Robert Watt Mitchell, a young man of Dundee, was yesterday officially reported as having died from a gunshot wound.  He was in the Howe Battalion of the R.N.V.R.

Glasgow Herald September 21st 1915

Robert W Mitchell was the son of Mr Alexander and Mrs Charlotte Mitchell of 10 Kinloch Place, 105 Hawkhill, Dundee and he worked as a grocer when he volunteered to join the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in May 1915 for service in the Royal Naval Division. He carried out his initial Naval training at the Crystal Palace in South London before being sent to Blandford Camp in Dorset for advanced military training in July. On completion in August he was granted seven days leave before being drafted to the Howe Battalion serving in Gallipoli . He died in the Military Hospital at Gibraltar after being accidentally shot in the left thigh on board HM Transport Royal George on his way to Gallipoli. He is buried in the Gibraltar North Front Cemetery, Section D Grave 3106.

Iain Stewart and Iain Birnie