Samuel Mitchell

Samuel Mitchell VC was a Royal Navy sailor who served during the 19th century. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Following his investiture, Mitchell's Victoria Cross was placed in storage within his sea chest at a boarding house in Sydney, Australia. After moving to New Zealand, he lost contact with the proprietors, and the medal remained missing for decades until it was auctioned in London around 1912.

His family spent years attempting to negotiate for the return of the medal. Thanks to the intervention of the Duke of York, the family successfully purchased the medal back in 1928. Today, his Victoria Cross is proudly displayed in the Hokitika Museum in Hokitika, New Zealand, preserving his legacy of bravery.