MILLS, Gavin Maxwell

Gavin Mills was the son of John and Emily Mills of 28 Nova Scotia Street, Halesowen, and lived with his wife, Phoebe Elizabeth, at 9 New Street, Halesowen. He volunteered for the Warwicks and was sent to the 10th (Service) Battalion. They crossed to France in July 1915 and fought in the Battle of the Somme from the first day. The attack on La Boisselle on the 2nd July was eventually successful but the attack on Ovillers on the next day failed. Two weeks later other units carried the battle to High Wood and the Warwicks rejoined the front line to clear the wood on the 23rd July. It was not immediately successful and casualties were heavy. Private Gavin Mills was killed in action on this day. He was 32 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval and Halesowen Memorials.