The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

Seven: attributed to Corporal Arthur Mills, 12th Royal Lancers

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; U.S.A., Bronze Star, unnamed, in case of issue, extremely fine (7) £50-70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Attributed to Corporal Arthur Mills, 12th Royal Lancers, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in Italy on 15 November 1944 and on 7 January 1945. In addition he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 29 November 1945).

Citation: On November 15th 1944, Corporal Mills, accompanied an officer on a daring raid upon a house occupied by enemy troops and succeeded in routing five Germans, killing one and obtaining valuable information. On January 7th, 1945 near Casal Borsetti, he led a patrol with bravery and distinction into enemy territory and not only withdrew his men safely from a most dangerous situation, but also directed artillery fire that succeeded in defeating the enemy. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty, reflect great credit upon himself and the Allied Army in Italy.’

Before the war Arthur Mills lived at Scawsby near Doncaster and was employed as a Miner. He was a member of the Doncaster Town Rugby team and a soloist with the Bentley Colliery Band. Enlisted into the Border Regiment on 21 February 1928. Served as a Bandsman. Seriously injured in a football match in May 1929, resulting in him being transferred to the Reserve in April 1930. Mobilised in September 1939 and served with the Border Regiment in France from 19 April 1940 until evacuated on 31 May 1940. Transferred to R.A.C. in November 1941. Landed in Egypt, July 1942 and transferred to the 12th Lancers in March 1943. Wounded in action in Southern Tunisia on 8 April 1943 - gunshot wound to right shoulder. Later served in Italy, for which he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Bronze Star. Released to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 21 November 1945.

Sold with a photograph of the recipient in Rome 1945; a newspaper clipping with photograph re. the award of the Bronze Star and his military service; typescript ‘Recommendation for Award’; citation for the Bronze Star; and copied service notes.