Sergeant Horace Mills
10/15658 Northumberland Fusiliers
Horace Mills was born in 1894 at Jacksdale, Notts son of Joseph Mills a stationary engine man born Selston and his wife Mary Jane (nee Fairbrother) born Sawley, Derbyshire. Horace had brothers and sisters John H, Thomas, Joseph, Ernest William, Laura, Burnett and Leslie. His brother Leslie also served in and survived WW1.
In 1909 tragedy struck the family when Horace’s elder brother Ernest William died suddenly. The Ripley & Heanor News reported, ‘OBITUARY. – Much sympathy was aroused in Jacksdale on Saturday, when it became known that W. Mills, aged 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos Mills after only a short illness, had passed away. He had been removed to the General Hospital, Nottingham, to undergo an operation for appendicitis on the Tuesday previous, but complications followed, and little hope was entertained for his recovery. Amid many manifestations of grief the funeral took place in the Westwood Cemetery on Wednesday, and the Rev. J. Pleming conducted the service. Wagner’s “Funeral March” and the “Dead March” in “Saul” were rendered on the organ, and the hymn “Rock of Ages” was impressively sung. The bearers were Messrs. W. Gilbert, P. Davis, J. Gent, W. Mildenhall (fellow workmen), and the whole staff of Messrs. W. Greaves, Ltd were there to pay a sad tribute of respect, including Mr. F. S. Greaves (managing director), and Mr. Holmes (manager). There were many beautiful wreaths, and and among others there were tributes from Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Greaves, Mr. and Mrs. W. Gilbert, and the employees of Messrs. W. S. Greaves, Ltd.’
In 1910 Horace’s mother Mary died and in 1911 his widowed father and the family were living at Spring Cottages, Franklin Road, Jacksdale.
Horace’s service record does not seem to have survived. His Medal Roll Index Card indicates he was sent to France on 25th December 1915 and was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War & Victory Medals.
In 1918 he married Minnie Brown in the Belper Registration District and they had a daughter named Rita.
Photo Below: Horace Mills standing far left.