Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant S. R. Mills, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who had been gassed, 29 April 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (32958 Sjt. S. R. Mills. 2/Canterbury R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (32958 Sjt. S. R. Wills. N.Z.E.F.) mounted for display, very fine (2) £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘Operations: British front near Le Quesnoy - 24th October 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance near Le Quesnoy on 24th October 1918, the advance was being held up by enemy machine gun fire. When Lance Sergeant Mills, under deadly fire, rushed to a flank position and was able to enfilade the enemy, and force them to fall back. His action undoubtedly saved many casualties and allowed the advance to continue.’

S. R. Mills attested for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in July 1916. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment in the French theatre of war from May 1917. Mills was gassed, 29 April 1918, and returned to the front in June of the same year. He returned to New Zealand in May 1919, and was discharged the following month.


He served with the 3rd Field Ambulance, New Zealand Army Medical Corps in the Egyptian and French theatres of war. Evans was awarded his M.M. for gallantry during the Second Battle of Bapaume, and was wounded in action, 26 August 1918. He returned to New Zealand in the S.S. Rimutaka, 5 April 1919, and was discharged 25 June 1919.