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On 21st July 1894 Walter Mills was born.
On 11th December 1917 Walter Mills (age 23) died of gas poisoning. He was buried at Gorre British & Indian Cemetery, Nr Bethune, Pas-De-Calais, France.
The London Gazette 30523. 13th February 1918. Award of the Victoria Cross.
No. 3T5499 Pte. Walter Mills, late Manch. B. (Oldham).
For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice. When, after an intense gas attack, a strong enemy patrol endeavoured to rush our posts, the garrisons of which had been over come, and though badly gassed himself, he met the attack single-handed and continued to throw bombs until the arrival of rein forcements, and remained at his post until the enemy's attacks Had been finally driven off. While being carried away he died from gas poisoning. It was solely due to his exertions, when his only chance of personal safety lay in remaining motionless, that the enemy was defeated and the line retained intact
In 2003. a Blue Plaque was unveiled to three 'valiant men of the Borough of Oldham' who received the Victoria Cross: John Hogan, Walter Mills and Thomas Steele.
Oldham Church War Memorial including plaques to three recipients of the Victoria Cross: John Hogan, Walter Mills and Thomas Steele.