William Mills was born on April 24th, 1856, in Wear Street, Southick, Sunderland. He was the son of David Mills, who was a ship builder, and Sarah Ann Kirkaldy. William’s first job was a butcher, but he decided to change his job. He took a seven-year apprenticeship with a famous Marine Engineer in Sunderland named George Clarke. When he was finished with his apprenticeship, Mills spent seven years at sea and was given a first class Certificate as a Marine Engineer in 1844. He started a successful aluminum company and invented many important items during his life. He was married but never had children. He was given knighthood by the Queen of England in 1922 for his accomplishments and given a Knight’s Bachelor Badge and War Service Badge. Mills died in Weston-super-mare, Somerset, England, in 1932 (Duffy).
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William Mills accomplished many great things during his life. He established an aluminum foundry in the …show more content…
His grenade was critical for the Allies victory in the war and was one of the weapons that changed combat in future wars. Mills also invented the Patent Instantaneous Engaging and Disengaging Gear for Ships and Boats. This device was used all over the world and it “had a great reputation for efficiency and for life saving” (“William Mills-1856-1932”). He was given a Gold Medal by the Mercantile Marine Service's Association and an Exhibition Gold Medal because his invention saved many lives during the war and other times when lifeboats were