Mitchell, H I (Henry Irwin)

Lance Corporal Henry Irwin Mitchell was an unmarried man and was the son of Henry and Rosa L. Mitchell, of Coleraine.
For a few days prior to his death Henry had been seen around the town of Coleraine. Everyone who saw him thought he was only on leave.
Early Sunday afternoon he boarded a bus to Londonderry (Derry). It was stopped in Limavady, and a Constable Blair spotted Henry and decided to detain him as he believed that he was a deserter. It turned out that he was correct as Lance Corporal Mitchel was on the run from the army. He was immediately detained, searched, and placed in a cell at around 2:15 pm.
A few hours later at 5:45 pm, Constable Carson and Special Constable Scott went to Henry’s cell, so that they could take him to the kitchen for tea. The found Lance Corporal Henry Irwin Mitchell deceased and hanging by his belt from the edge of the cell’s door. A doctor later confirmed his death.
The reason for him taking his own life was never established.
Date of Death: 04/10/1942 (Aged 31)
Service: 30th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
Service Number: 7046499
Burial Location: Dunboe First Presbyterian Churchyard