Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga Series
While browsing through the museum collections, I was drawn to a photo of a gentleman in a uniform, with a number of medals pinned to his jacket. He appeared to have dressed carefully for the photo, with a sense of pride in his appearance and the uniform he was wearing. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. I discovered that his name was Frederick (Fred) Mills. Fred was born in England in 1849, and arrived in Thames, New Zealand in 1874, aged 25. As far as I know, he had no other relatives in New Zealand throughout his lifetime. The framed photo of Fred was a gift to Thomas William (Toss) Hammond and Mrs Hammond from Frederick Mills, late Royal Artillery (March 8, 1909). Source: Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira.
Fred’s military career began in England. He was a very loyal member of the Royal Artillery and endeavoured over his lifetime to keep in touch with his military comrades in England.
He appeared to enjoy writing letters, sending a letter and photo to the High Commissioner for New Zealand, the Hon. W. Hall-Jones (1908 – 1912), asking him to forward the photo to His Majesty King George V. Fred received a kind reply to his request, and was informed that his photograph had been ‘laid before the King’ by the King’s secretary, and that the King had conveyed his thanks.
In the accompanying oval photo, Fred is wearing what has been described as a militia uniform, and a medal identified as his King’s Empire Veterans Medal. (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. 5 – 0583CJ.) Fred’s Veteran’s Medal was presented to him by his Excellency, Lord Ranfurly, Governor of New Zealand. He also received a medal for active service in the East Indies under Field Marshall Frederick Sleigh Roberts.
The alarm raised in Auckland and elsewhere, in response to the Northern War 1845 – 1846, led to the Legislative Council passing the first Militia Ordinance on 25th March 1845. This required all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age to complete 28 days of training annually, and to be ready for service. In 1858 a Militia Act similar to the 1845 Ordinance was passed by the NZ Parliament. The country was divided into militia districts and a permanent staff consisting of one officer, two non-commissioned officers, and a bugler were provided in each. Flintlock muskets were supplied, and the uniform consisted of a blue shirt, a serge jacket, a cap and any kind of trousers. (Source: ‘The Militia’ from An Encyclopaedia of NZ, edited by A.H. McLintock, www.Ara.govt.nz.)
The bronze New Zealand Empire Veteran’s Medal is in the shape of a Maltese cross, surrounded by a wreath of Laurel leaves with NZEVA engraved in the centre. The medal is suspended on a red, white and blue ribbon. In 1910 the name of the association was changed to the King’s Empire Veterans Association, and the letters in the centre of the cross were changed to KEV. Fred was also made a life member of the Victoria League in 1925. Fred established himself as a chimney sweep in Thames and supported the community in many ways.
Sadly in 1913 Fred lost his medals, and other precious memorabilia in a house fire. Friends kindly rallied to help him replace equipment, so he could continue his chimney sweeping business.
Frederick Mills ended his days at the Tararu Men’s Home on 22 July 1928, aged 79 years. The homes provided necessary care and were the last place of residence for pioneer settlers who had nobody to look after them in their later years. They were run by the Charitable Aid Board/Thames Hospital.
Why Fred decided to leave England and make a new life in New Zealand I will never know, but I acknowledge his courage, and all he contributed throughout his military career, and as a much-appreciated member of the Thames community.
It is also clear that Fred never forgot his comrades, and the sacrifices they made.
Words by Robyn Pearce, volunteer, Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga
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