John Thomas Mills

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, John died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 25. 

John was born at Lowestoft on 14 July 1891, a son of Herbert William and Caroline Frances Mills. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, and his family lived at 34 Saint Margaret’s Road. John attended Church Road Board School and, from 1 February 1899, became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1899 his family lived at 23 The Hemplands and by 1901 were living at 283 Raglan Street. In 1911 his family were still living at 283 Raglan Street and John was a drift net fisherman. 

On 23 February 1916 John married Ethel May Brown at Saint Margaret’s Church. John was an engine driver and they both gave their address as 283 Raglan Street. Later 286 Raglan St. Lowestoft Suffolk.

On 13 July 1915 John joined the Royal Naval Reserve. He served with the trawler Herring Seeker and joined the trawler Sir John French on 10 September 1915. On 22 September 1915 he joined the Diadem II and then, in November 1915, the Evening Primrose before, on 22 November 1915, joining the trawler Pelagia. 

On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.