Walter Mills (VC)

Walter Mills (1882 – 24 November 1917) was a British soldier and 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.

Mills was born in Horsell, Surrey. He was a Sergeant in the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 2 September 1917 near Gillemont Farm, France, Sergeant Mills led his platoon with great bravery and determination during an attack. He cleared several enemy dug-outs, capturing 46 prisoners and killing many of the enemy. On reaching his final objective, although suffering from a wound, he consolidated his position. He then went back alone and brought in six prisoners who had been overlooked.

Mills died of wounds on 24 November 1917 and is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, France. His Victoria Cross is held by the Hertfordshire Regiment Museum in Hertford.