Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George was born on 9 January 1879 in Pimpama, QLD, the second eldest child of George Mills and Laurina Hockridge. One of George's younger brothers - Charles William Mills served as a Private (Service No: 105) from 22 January 1916 - 17 February 1918 with the AIF 11th Machine Gun Company.
George served with the 6th Queensland Imperial Bushmen (6th Contingent) in the Boer War (Service No: 189) and was Killed in Action at Paardeplatz in South Africa whilst leading a party of eight men on a very narrow track in thick scrub, Casterals Neck Pass. ‘They had to go in Indian file close behind each other; at a turn in the track to the left they were ambushed by the enemy, only fifteen yards off him, fired a shot at him, which hit him in the top of the right thigh and through his hip, causing him to fall; he then got on his knees and fired at the enemy; then the enemy fired back more shots, and he dropped dead. His companions stood by, but never fired a shot, as they said they could not see anybody to fire at, but all cleared back for reinforcements, and a fusillade was kept up on both sides for three hours, before they could recover his body. But no casualty occurred. (O. and L. Mills)
The 6th Contingent embarked at Pinkenba on the Victoria on 4 May 1901and arrived at Cape Town on 2 May 1901

From the AWM Digitalised Collection (Accession No: RCDIG1069374) pp 506 - 519
Between May and October 1901, George as one of he 6th Contingent was 'employed in constantly trekking over given districts, driving in and harrassing the enemy, bringing to the various bases prisoners, horses, cattle, sheep, vehicles etc, and laying waste to the country ... '
The 6th Contingent 'started to trek on 20th in the Standerton district, marching very light, without tents, wallets off saddles etc ... arrived at Ermels on 27th, having captured 15 Boers, and much stock; handed over the convoy, began return journey to Standerton, the cold winds being sp piercing that in some cases men fainted ..... During June there was constant skirmishing ... casualties were frequent .... In August substantial captures were made at Bultfontein. In September, October, and November, operations in the Wakkerstroom district and east of Transvaal’.