Tom Mills

Thomas Mills (2 April 1908 – 29 July 1978) was an Australian soldier, tin miner and businessman. He served with distinction in World War II and was awarded the Military Cross and Bar.

Early life Tom Mills was born on 2 April 1908 at Charters Towers, Queensland. He was the son of a mining engineer, Thomas Mills, and Hettie Mary (née Millican). From 1919 Mills attended Newington College as a boarding student. He rowed in the 1st IV at the GPS Head of the River in 1924 and 1925 and played rugby union in the 1st XV in his final year at school, 1925. Following school, Mills undertook compulsory military training and spent time as a woolclasser. During the Depression he became a tinminer in Emmaville, New South Wales. In 1933, he joined the Militia and as a member of the 12th Light Horse Regiment he was commissioned as a lieutenant two years later.

Post-war life Post-war Mills returned to the state of his birth and became involved in the pest-control business. His wife, daughter and granddaughter survived him when he died of myocardial infarction on 29 July 1978 at Ocean Beach, Moreton Island.