| Walter Mills | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 June 1894 Oldham, Lancashire |
| Died | 11 December 1917 (aged 23) Givenchy, France |
| Buried at | Gorre British Cemetery, Beuvry |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | -1917 † |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | The Manchester Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Walter Mills VC (22 June 1894 – 11 December 1917) was an English 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.
He was 23 years old, and a private in C Company,[1] the 1/10th Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, British Army, manning a position at Red Dragon Crater[1] near Givenchy, France, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 10–11 December 1917 at Givenchy, France, after an intense gas attack a strong enemy patrol tried to rush British posts, the garrisons of which had been overcome. Private Mills, although badly gassed himself, met the attack single-handed and continued to throw bombs until the arrival of reinforcements and remained at his post until the enemy had been finally driven off. While being carried away he died of gas poisoning but it was entirely due to him that the enemy was defeated and the line remained intact.
Mills was buried at Gorre British & Indian Cemetery, Nr Bethune, Pas-De-Calais, France.[2]
His VC Medal was buried with his Daughter Ellen, who died in the 1920s.