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In Memory of
CPOMTP3SM JOHN MILLS R42858
It is with great sadness that the SAA advises of the death of long time SAA member
John “Biff the Tiff” Mills in Adelaide.
John was born in Cheshire England in March 1947 and emigrated to Australia at the
age of two where his family settled in South Australia. He enlisted in the RAN in the
January 1964 intake of naval apprentices at HMAS Nirimba. In June1964 he was rated
as an Engine Room Artificer Apprentice (Fitter and Turner).
John, like many apprentices, before and after him, would fall foul of the Master at Arms
resulting in him being placed on “2 nd Class for Conduct” in 1966. Despite this setback he
graduated from Nirimba in July 1967 completing his training on the Destroyer Escort
HMAS Yarra. He was advanced in minimum time to ERA 3 rd Class (Leading Seaman) in
January 1968 and to ERA 2 nd Class (Petty Officer) in January 1969.
In 1969, John volunteered for submarines and after passing the suitability test he
undertook submarine training at HMAS Dolphin in the UK. It is known that he served on
HMAS Onslow, Otway and Otama. A keen punter, he has been remembered for his
running of an illegal Starting Price (SP) Bookmaking service at HMAS Platypus. John
discharged from the RAN around 1980 and later moved back to South Australia .
John was a long time member of the SAA SA Branch. The SAA National Executive
extends its condolences and sympathy to John’s family and friends.
Vale John Mills.
May He Rest In Peace
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