Arthur Mordaunt Mills (25 January 1879 – 12 April 1965) was a distinguished British officer who served in the British Indian Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-General. He is particularly noted for his command roles during World War I and his senior appointments in India in the inter-war period.
Early Life and Career Born in London, Arthur Mills was commissioned into the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) in 1899. In 1900, he transferred to the British Indian Army, joining the 10th Gurkha Rifles, a regiment with which he would be closely associated throughout his career.
World War I During World War I, Mills saw extensive active service, primarily in the Mesopotamian campaign and later in Persia and Kurdistan. He demonstrated notable leadership, eventually commanding the 2nd Battalion, 10th Gurkha Rifles. For his actions and bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and was mentioned in despatches multiple times.
Inter-War Period and Senior Commands After World War I, Mills continued to ascend through the ranks, holding various staff appointments and instructional roles, including a period as an instructor at the Staff College, Camberley. He was promoted to Brigadier in 1928, commanding the 2nd Indian Infantry Brigade. In 1930, he was promoted to Major-General and took command of the Deccan District in India. His career continued its upward trajectory, with a promotion to Lieutenant-General in 1935, when he became the Adjutant-General in India. From 1936 to 1940, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, India. For his long and distinguished service, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1937, thereby becoming Sir Arthur Mills.
Later Life and Retirement Sir Arthur Mills retired from the army in 1940, at the outset of World War II, having completed a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He passed away in 1965 at the age of 86.
Awards and Decorations
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO)