MILLS, Edward

Edward Mills lived at 38 Market Street, Stourbridge, and worked in the foundry of Messrs Booth Bros at Brettell Lane. His wife was Elsie and his mother lived at 10 Birmingham Street. He enlisted on the 6th November 1916 and joined the Worcesters. At some point he was transferred to the 10th (Service) Battalion of the Gloucesters, which was disbanded in February 1918, and then to the 13th Battalion in the 39th Division. This was a Pioneer battalion which was chiefly employed in improving the defences on the new front line near St. Quentin. The anticipated German attack started on the 21st March 1918 and succeeded in driving the British Divisions back over the old Somme battlefield nearly as far as Amiens. In the retreat many casualties were suffered and Private Edward Mills was one of these. He was killed in action on the 4th April 1918. He was 23 years of age and is commemorated on the Pozičres, Stourbridge and St. John's church Memorials.