Harry Pyle Mills 2Lt

SECOND LIEUTENANT HARRY PILE MILLS No.6 Tunnelling Company

Harry Pile Mills stated he was born in Gateshead-on-Tyne, Durham England about 1862. He came to Australia. His military experience was gained with the 84th Senior Cadets, ten years as a Colour- Sergeant with the Goldfields Infantry Regiment and seven years a seaman with the Imperial Navy.

A mention of him as a Colour-Sergeant appeared in the:

Western Mail Saturday July 18, 1903: MILITARY MATTERS Below are given the percentage of marks obtained by the officers and non-commissioned officers who were examined at the close of the recent instructional camp at Karrakatta. The final results were published in this column last week: Marks obtained in Practical Marks obtained in Writing Col-Sergt H.P. Mills 61 53 Article abridged

In 1910 he was a groom residing at Chaffer’s House, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

It was reported in 1914 he had been president of the Boulder Pipe Band since its inception. A year later the following was reported in the:

Kalgoorlie Argus Tuesday July 6, 1915: NEW MILITARY YEAR The military year started on July 1, has brought along several changes in organisations with it, the principal one being the double company. At Boulder the new organisation is that the “E” and “F” Companies of cadets now become known as “C” Company and will be nos 9, 10, 11 and 12 platoons; Lieutenant H.P. Mills being its commander.

Harry was working as a labourer in 1916 at the Boulder No. 1 lease, Fimiston.

At a recruiting depot in Boulder, W.A. on March 13, 1916 the miner and timberman applied to enlist for active service abroad. Passing the medical examination Attestation Forms were completed at Blackboy Hill camp, near Perth, W.A. on March 21, 1916. Giving his age as thirty-nine years, but was possibly closer to fifty-four at the time and described as 173cms (5ft 8ins) tall, weighing 78kgs (172lbs) with a chest expansion of 89-94cms (35-37½ins). Complexion was dark with his eyes testing to very poor vision and had black hair. Presbyterian was his religion. In lieu of next-of-kin James Craggs of Headquarters R.A.M.C. Aldershot, England was nominated. Further Attestation Forms were completed when he was sworn in at Blackboy Hill camp on March 26, 1916 with his age amended to forty-one years. He was sworn in the same day.

Recruiting for the No. 6 Tunnelling Company had commenced on March 7, 1916 by Captain Lawson and his four officers. Instruction classes were formed of officers and N.C.O.’s as there was insufficient time to attend the Engineer’s School in Sydney. Recruits were forthcoming in abundant numbers and the aim was to have good physical types of skilled W.A. Miners.

Sapper Mills was allotted to the No. 6 Tunnelling Company on March 21, 1916 and on March 30 joined the company at Belmont camp. On April 4, 1916 he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant with the A.I.F.

At Blackboy Hill camp the new company paraded daily with sister companies until March 27 when the Company moved camp to Belmont camp where four sections were created and training continued through April and May. The remainder of May was occupied in the usual training: musketry, trench work and night work while equipment was also in progress. Here a difficulty was met in that the general size of the men was considerably above the average and some little trouble was experienced in getting all accurately fitted.

Deemed medically unfit for further service, termination of his appointment as Second Lieutenant took place on May 21, 1916.

As he did not embark from Australia 2/Lt Harry Pile Mills did not receive any War Service Medals.

The West Australian - Friday June 2, 1916: SOCIAL NOTES (By Adrienne) A delightful evening was spent in the Bayswater Hall on Monday last, the occasion being a return farewell dance, given by Captain Lawson, officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the No 6 Tunnelling camp. Captain, Mrs and Miss Lawson were the host and hostesses of the evening, and Mrs Burch was the guest of honour. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags and the whole tunnelling company was present, as well as members of other battalions. Noticeable amongst those in khaki was Captain Blythe, of the 16th Battalion, who has returned after doing his bit. During the evening a gold medal was presented to Sapper Gorey, of No 4 Section, as the best shot of the company, for which he returned thanks. An autograph album containing the signatures of the whole company, and an enlarged photograph of the battalion, was presented to Mrs Burch by Captain Lawson, as some slight token of her kindness to the members of the battalion—most of whom belong to the goldfields. Captain Ogilvie responded on behalf of Mrs Burch (her brother, Mr R.H. Ardagh, M.L.C. being away). Mrs Lawson and Mrs Ogilvie were the recipients of handsome autograph cushions. Souvenir badges with the colours (royal blue and gold) were worn by the ladies present. Not the least enjoyable part of the evening were the songs rendered by Misses Lawson and Batey and Sapper Bateman, and the dances of Misses Kerr and O’Loughlin. The dance music was in the capable hands of Mrs Power who was ably assisted by Sapper Hanbury.

A dainty supper was partaken of, and the enjoyment was concluded in the early hours of the morning by the singing of “Auld Land Syne.” The secretary, Lieutenant Logie, is to be congratulated on the excellence of the arrangements.

He was a member of the Harbour Work Union and is mentioned in the article published in the:

Albany Advertiser Wednesday August 16, 1922: LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS Harbor Work Union of Workers—A special organising meeting of the Docks, Rivers and Harbor Works Union of Workers was held on Sunday last in the Albany Lumpers’ Union room. There was a full attendance and the meeting was presided over by Mr Harry P. Mills, who, on opening the meeting, introduced Mr Dave Hynes, the general secretary, from Fremantle. The secretary read and explained the schedule which is to be presented to the Arbitration Court next month. Before the meeting closed Mr W. Mather was given an opportunity to speak to the members on the work of the big conferences just concluded in Sydney. His address was very highly appreciated by all present and a vote of thanks was accorded him. The general secretary returned to Fremantle on Monday after straightening out various union matters in connection with the working conditions on the dredge. The union has decided to affiliate with the Albany A.L.P. and Mr Tom McShearer was appointed delegate. Mr H.P. Mills was elected steward for the ensuing term.

He was residing at 62 High Street, Fremantle working as a watchman from 1936 until 1943 when his address was listed as 61 High Street. During World War II he received a letter requesting him to report to the Area Office as he was liable for service. This was reprinted in the:

Sunday Times Sunday May 17, 1942: Harry Pile Mills passed away aged 89 years on July 25, 1951. Arrangements were printed in: The West Australian Thursday July 26, 1951: FUNERAL NOTICES MILLS: Boer War Veteran; Coastal Docks Harbour and Rivers Works Union, Watchmen’s Section: the Members of the above Union are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of our late Member, Mr Harry Mills. The Funeral will leave the Private Chapel of Messrs Prosser Scott and Co., 37 Adelaide-street, Fremantle, THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON at 4 o’clock, arriving at 4.15 o’clock. F.M. ANDREW, President P.L. TROY, Secretary

His grave is located in the Methodist portion of Fremantle Cemetery in the Monumental section 134 in gravesite no. 156.

Footnote: It is possible that Harry saw Naval Service during the Boer War serving with the Imperial Navy. He stated he was a Captain with the Cadets when he enlisted in 1916 but did not serve overseas during World War I as mentioned in the article.