There are stories in our military history that deserve more attention—not because they are quiet, but because they are profound.

As a member of a military engineer family, one name stands above all others in Canadian history: Coulson Norman Mitchell. To this day, he remains the only Canadian military engineer to be awarded the Victoria Cross—our nation’s highest recognition for bravery in the face of the enemy.

That distinction alone is remarkable. But it’s the story behind it that truly matters.

However, before I move into the main portion of my remarks, I’d like to highlight a special event taking place early in the ride.

On Saturday, 23 May, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., a social reception will be co-hosted by the Chilliwack Museum and the CFB Chilliwack Historical Society at the Chilliwack Museum, honouring James Richardson, VC, and Norman Mitchell, VC—two Canadian military heroes with strong ties to the Chilliwack community. The event will also recognize The Road To Valour and its contribution to preserving our military history.

And yes—there will be refreshments.

If you are in the area, I hope that you will attend.

A Different Kind of Soldier

Mitchell wasn’t an infantryman charging across open ground. He was an engineer—trained to build, repair, and solve problems under pressure. His battlefield wasn’t just defined by trenches and gunfire, but by bridges, crossings, and the constant challenge of mobility in war.

In October 1918, near Cambrai, France, Mitchell was serving with the 4th Canadian Engineer Battalion. His task was critical: maintain and repair bridges under relentless enemy fire to keep the advance moving.

What followed turned technical duty into extraordinary courage.

Courage Under Fire

As Canadian forces pushed forward, Mitchell found himself at a canal crossing under heavy German attack. Artillery and machine gun fire rained down, and casualties mounted.

Mitchell took command.  For two days, he held the position with a small group of sappers—organizing the defence, directing resistance, and ensuring the crossing remained operational. When the situation became desperate, he personally led actions that repelled enemy attacks.

He wasn’t just fixing infrastructure—he was holding the line.

His leadership ensured the advance did not stall. His actions saved lives. His refusal to yield embodied the very essence of the Victoria Cross.

From Battlefield to Builder of Leaders

After the war, Coulson Norman Mitchell rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and went on to serve as Commandant of the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering—then known as the A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Chilliwack, BC.  There, he helped shape the next generation of Canadian military engineers—passing on not just technical skill, but the leadership and resilience forged under fire.

Mitchell was also driven by a vision: to create a monument to all Sappers, designed and built by Sappers themselves. From that idea, Operation GRANITE was born, culminating in the dedication of the All Sappers Memorial on 14 July 1946.

This legacy continues today. From 17–19 July, Operation GRANITE II will mark the re-dedication of the All Sappers Memorial, honouring the sacrifices of Canadian Military Engineers in both war and peace. More information can be found at: https://operation-granite-ii.info

When Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Chilliwack closed and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering was moved to CFB Gagetown, NB, the main building was named for him.

Carrying It Forward

On The Road To Valour, I often reflect on the idea that courage doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.  It’s not always a charge forward.  Sometimes, it’s holding your ground.

It’s fitting, then, that my second stop will be in Chilliwack—my birthplace—with a short reception at the Chilliwack Museum on Saturday morning.

In a place that connects both to Mitchell’s legacy and my own beginnings, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of those who built, led, and held the line.

Coulson Norman Mitchell, VC, MC didn’t set out to be a hero. He set out to do his duty as an engineer.  And in doing so, he left a legacy worth carrying forward.

On The Road To Valour