Hello all, I'm looking for any information regarding Major William Mitchell (316384). In my documentation he served within the 516 Civil Affairs detachment and was in the south of the Netherlands (Boxmeer) in december 1944. the unit I tried to look for more information online, but really no luck.. I did find some, off limit, reports in a local archive (526 Civil Affairs reports regarding the situation in the south of Netherlands 44-45). But nothing more than that.. Major W. Mitchell No luck so far either. Only one time mention in the London Gazette of a promotion in august 1944. Can someone help me out perhaps in finding more information? The purpose is to get more information about the unit which were in contact with my uncle who died in february 1945 during a patrol when he was with the Dutch interior forces. Thanks in advance and hope to hear from you guys. Cheers
There are 2 x "War Diaries" at The National Archives in Kew 516 Det. | The National Archives Reference: WO 171/3639 Description: 516 Det. Date: 1944 Sept.- Dec. Held by: The National Archives, Kew Legal status: Public Record(s) Closure status: Open Document, Open Description Access conditions: Normal Closure before FOI Act: 516 Det. Civil Affairs Detachment | The National Archives Reference: WO 171/8002 Description: 516 Det. Civil Affairs Detachment Date: 1945 Jan.- Apr. Held by: The National Archives, Kew Legal status: Public Record(s) Closure status: Open Document, Open Description Access conditions: Normal Closure before FOI Act: These can be copied for you by members of this site who offer their services at better than Kew prices, they may hold more information about your Major TD
I don't know much about these units but I would assume they would be very small with regards to the amount of soldiers in them. I suspect the rank of a Major would be the senior rank.
It may be worth trying to contact this chap: What did my grandfather do after being wounded?615 Civil Affairs Detachment
He appears on Casualty List No. 1740 Dated 25 April 1945 Expeditionary Forces, Western Europe, Wounded General List 316384 Mitchell T/Maj W, date of casualty 14.4.45 (remaining at duty)
This sounds as if it could be him: The Birmingham Mail, Monday, April 16, 1945 A recent picture in the “Mail” of a detachment of the Allied Military Government at work in Germany has aroused much interest in Warwickshire police circles. Among other officers shown at work at an improvised table with field equipment was Major William Mitchell, formerly superintendent on the staff of the Chief Constable, Commander ERB Kemble, at Warwickshire County Police headquarters. Before taking up duties with the Allied Military Government, he was in charge of the Warwickshire Police War Emergency Department. He went through the civil affairs course and has been with the BLA since D-Day. Major Mitchell is now in command of the 8th Corps detachment and is functioning with a spearhead of the military government. His detachment crossed the Rhine with the initial assault force and when last heard of he was forging ahead in the race to Berlin. Note - cannot trace the previous article to which this refers.
