Keith Robert Mills
From Our Contribution
 AWM photo 203820999 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 2 Jul 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Victoria Park, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 5 months |
| Description |
5'10" (1.78m) tall ; 152lbs 68.946 kg ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; brown hair ; tip of right thumb amputated |
| Occupation | Carrier |
| Religion | Congregational |
| Address | Seventh road, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Emanuel Mills |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 46267 |
| Date of Enlistment | 13 Jan 1942 |
| Rank | Leading Aircraftsman |
| Unit/Formation | 12th Aircraft Repair Unit RAAF |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
Keith enlisted in the RAAF on 13 Jan 1942 at No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF. Having completed the basic Recruit Drill Course, on 8 Feb 1942 Keith was transferred to No. 5 School of Technical Training RAAF at Pearce to begin the No. 38 Trainee Fitter Course, before being transferred on 6 May 1942 to No. 1 Engineering School RAAF at Ascot Vale in Melbourne to undertake the No. 74 Trainee Flight Mechanic Course. While in Melbourne Keith had been hospitalised from 9 - 13 May 1942 in the No. 2 RAAF Hospital.On 31 Jul 1942, with early training completed he was now a Flight Mechanic and was posted to the No. 4 Service Flying Training School RAAF at Geraldton on 31 Jul 1942 where he was promoted Leading Aircraftsman on 19 Oct 1942.
Following a period back with No. 1 Engineering School RAAF to undertake a Fitter IIE Conversion Course followed by the No. 126 Fitter IIE Conversion Course. Keith was posted to No. 7 Aircraft Depot RAAF at Tocumwal on the NSW side of the Murray River on 26 Mar 1943. As a result of remustering, his rank was reduced to AC1, but he was again promoted to Leading Aircraftsman on 1 Sep 1943. On 5 Feb 1944 Keith transferred to the Base Torpedo Unit RAAF at Nowra to undertake the No. 9 Fitter 2E Course. On 20 Jun 1944 Keith was again transferred, this time to No. 7 Operational Training Unit RAAF to work on Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft. Keith's next posting was on 9 Aug 1944 to No. 12 Aircraft Repair Depot RAAF before which he was granted Pre-embarkation Leave from 16 - 21 Aug 1944. He joined the unit on 28 Oct 1944 in Darwin.
With the war over, on 7 Dec 1945 Keith was transferred to RAAF Base Darwin, remaining with them until he left for No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF in Perth on 4 Mar 1946. There his discharge was progressed and subsequently it took place on 12 Apr 1946.
Post War
On 8 Feb 1998 Keith was living at 33 Dance drive, Middle Swan, Western Australia.
Notes