Edward Thomas Mitchell, also known as Ted, was born in Middlesborough on 13 June 1891. He was the second child of five, and the oldest son. His father, also named Edward, had worked on trains, but throughout Ted’s childhood he also worked as a Lift Engine Man.

By 1911, Ted had enlisted in the army and was based at Bulford Barracks, Wiltshire. He was part of 24th Battery Royal Field Artillery. He held the rank of Driver.

In 1912, Reading Football Club had noticed Ted playing for his battalion, with it being believed by the club that they bought him out of his service. Ted would remain as a reservist.

However, it was at Reading that Ted would gain the nickname “Ginger”. His time with the club however left much to be desired. He was initially chosen for the opening game of the 1912/13 season, however a loss and two other strong players meant that this forced him out of the first team squad. Instead, he would play in a number of positions for the reserve side, having only played eight games in the Southern League. He also claimed a goal against West Ham United in April 1913. Following the end of the season, Ted wasn’t chosen for the club’s tour of Italy, and would be released.

In July 1913, Ted would sign for Swansea Town. His success with the Welsh side would be more than that of Reading. Most notably, he helped Swansea be the first Welsh side to reach the First Round of the FA Cup. At the end of his first season with Swansea, Millwall offered £250 for his transfer, just under £25,000 by modern standards. This transfer would not take place however, with the war breaking out instead.

Due to being a reservist, Ted quickly made his way to a nearby recruitment office to enlist. He had been spending his summer in Scarborough, but after enlisting he would travel back to Swansea, where he would leave to join his regiment. His send off by teammates and fans was notable.

By 9 September Ted was serving with the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner. He would be injured by a bullet by the end of September but would return to action and be promoted to Corporal.

In July 1915, Ted would return to Wales to marry Gladys Winifred Jones, also known as Dolly. They would be married in Llandeilofawr Parish Church on 22 July. Dolly was the daughter of a local publican. A newspaper report of the wedding stated that Ted arrived to the altar in “mud-besmeared khaki”.

He was due back in France just four days later, re-joining his battery in Loos. His home would remain on his mind and in December of 1915 he is reported to have sent a postcard to Reading FC for Christmas. The end of Ted’s service would come shortly after.

Now a Serjeant, Ted was severely injured in January 1916. He would be evacuated to No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station in Bethune. He would sadly pass the same day, January 6. At the time of his death, Ted was 24.

He is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery.

Ted is pictured here in the back row, third from the right. His teammate, Spencer Bassett, was also killed in action. He is in the middle row, second from the right. Spencer is buried at Pozieres Cemetery and his story can also be found on 'For Evermore'.