The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Collection relating to the First World War service of Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australia, Egypt and France, 1915-1995.
Wallet 1 of 5 - contains 23 items of correspondence from Second Lieutenant Mills to his wife, Effie Sara (nee Burne), dated 27 October to 31 December 1915. Mills describes his departure from Australia and difficulty saying goodbye, the four-week voyage aboard HMAT Ulysses, feeling homesick, training at Zeitoun, and news he hears of the Gallipoli campaign. Notably, a second letter was penned on 30 October 1915 and directed to Mills' brother; the letter, to be sent to Effie in the event of Mills' death, expresses his love for her, their young son, John, and the life they had together. The wallet also includes a menu from HMAT Ulysses, as well as several postcards and cablegrams.
Wallet 2 of 5 - contains 33 letters and cablegrams from Mills, dated 4 January to 30 April 1916. His letters refer to recreational leave in Cairo, battalion animosity towards reinforcements, relief at unenrolling from signaller school, his pride at John's development, and embarking for the Western Front. Mills describes his early impressions of France, training, the weather and trench conditions. The wallet also includes a postcard addressed to Mills' young son, John, on 2 April 1916.
Wallet 3 of 5 - contains 33 letters, postcards and cablegrams from Mills, dated 3 May to 2 August 1916. Mills enquires after family members and writes of front-line conditions, billeting, digging duties, attending bombing school, gas warfare, and reuniting with Effie's brother, Major Henry 'Harry' Burne (British Expeditionary Force). Mills describes his surprise that John is teething and walking unassisted, and his adoration for Effie's parenting in his absence. Of note is Mills' letter on 2 August 1916, written two days before his death; he implies that the battalion is part of a major offensive, and he has been appointed second-in-command of his company.
Wallet 4 of 5 - consists of ten items relating to Mills' service and death at Pozieres. Six letters of condolence are addressed to Mills' loved ones after his death at Pozieres on 4 August 1916. The wallet also contains Mills' unit patches and a letter of appointment.
Wallet 5 of 5 - consists of six photocopied documents prepared by Mills' son, John, relating to his father's service and death. Dated 1995-1997, the items include contextual and biographical information, and an overview of John's visit to Pozieres.
Oversize folio 1 of 1 - contains one set of silk sleeves.
File of letters regarding the death of Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23rd Infantry Battalion. These letters were written to the wife and family of Mills and mentions the details surrounding his dea
File of papers written by John Burne Mills relating to the First World War service of his father Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23rd Infantry Battalion. This file has a copy, provided by John, of th
File of letters relating to the First World War service of Second Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23 Infantry Battalion. These letters were written by Mills to his wife between 27 October and 31 Dece
File of letters relating to the First World War service of Second Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23 Infantry Battalion. These letters written by Mills to his wife, cover the dates between 4 January
File of telegrams and cablegrams relating to the First World War service Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23rd Infantry Battalion. These telegrams and cablegram where mostly sent by Mills to his wife
File of letters relating to the First World War service of Lieutenant Cecil Beaumont Mills, 23 Infantry Battalion. These letters were written by Mills to his wife between 3 May and 2 August 1916. In t
