Henry Mills
Henry Mills was born in 1886 in Ashow, the fifth child of eight of Arthur and Louisa Mills (nee Anderton). Arthur was Head Gamekeeper for Lord Leigh for many years and all four of his sons served in the war. Henry lived with his parents, first at Thickthorn Lodge and later at The Kennels; he attended Stoneleigh School. In his early twenties, however, he moved to Berkshire to become a chauffeur to two elderly ladies; he was in residence there in 1911. Nevertheless at the outbreak of war he joined up at Reading, joining the 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales' Own) of the Household Cavalry. The Guards landed in France as early as October 31st 1914, and in September 1915 took part in the Battle of Loos. Unfortunately on the nights of September 25th/26th / 27th they sustained a counter-attack which led to a heavy loss of life. Private Henry Mills, GS/7294, was killed in action on September 27th and has no known grave. His name is recorded on the walls of Dud Corner Cemetery, on Panel 1 of the Loos Memorial to the Missing, one of 20,589 names inscribed there.