Coulson Norman Mitchell (11 December 1889 – 17 November 1978) was a Canadian soldier. Mitchell was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. World War I Born in Winnipeg on December 11, 1889, Mitchell was a graduate of the University of Manitoba in civil engineering. With the outbreak of the First World War he enlisted as a private in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914 and went overseas with a railway construction unit. He was commissioned in the field as a temporary lieutenant. While serving with the 1st Tunnelling Company of Canadian Engineers he was awarded the Military Cross in 1917. Victoria Cross Mitchell was 28 years old, and a captain in the 4th Engineer Battalion, Canadian Engineers, 2nd Canadian Division in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the night of 8–9 October 1918, at Canal de L'Escaut, north-east of Cambrai. He led a small party ahead of the first wave of infantry in order to examine the various bridges on the line of approach and, if possible, to prevent their demolition. On reaching the canal he found the bridge already blown up. Under a heavy barrage he crossed to the next bridge, where he cut a number of "lead" wires. Then in total darkness, and unaware of the position or strength of the enemy at the bridgehead, he dashed across the main bridge over the canal. This bridge was found to be heavily charged for demolition, and whilst Capt. Mitchell, assisted by his N.C.O., was cutting the wires, the enemy attempted to rush the bridge in order to blow the charges, whereupon he at once dashed to the assistance of his sentry, who had been wounded, killed three of the enemy, captured 12, and maintained the bridgehead until reinforced. Then under heavy fire he continued his task of cutting wires and removing charges, which he well knew might at any moment have been fired by the enemy. It was entirely due to his valour and decisive action that this important bridge across the canal was saved from destruction. World War II After the war, Mitchell returned to Winnipeg to practice civil engineering. Early in World War