Keith Mills (Royal Marines officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keith Paul Mills
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | June 1959 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Marines |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held | Royal Marines detachment, South Georgia |
| Battles/wars | Falklands War
|
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
| Other work | Care home management |
Captain Keith Paul Mills (born June 1959) is a British Royal Marines officer. He is famous for leading the defense of South Georgia during the Argentine invasion in 1982. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery.
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Captain Keith Mills and the Falklands War
Defending South Georgia Island
In April 1982, Captain Mills was a young officer leading a small group of 22 Royal Marines on South Georgia Island. This island is a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. On April 3, 1982, Argentina began an invasion of the island.
Captain Mills received a message telling him to offer only a small amount of resistance. However, he was determined to fight back strongly. A famous story says he replied, "sod that, I'll make their eyes water." Captain Mills later said he never actually spoke those exact words.
The Battle of Grytviken
The fight for South Georgia is known as the Battle of Grytviken. It lasted about two hours on April 3, 1982. Captain Mills and his small team bravely defended their position. They used an 84mm anti-tank rocket and many small arms.
During the battle, they hit the Argentine ship ARA Guerrico. They also shot down an Argentine Puma helicopter. This caused losses for the Argentine forces. The British side had only one person wounded.
The strong defense at Grytviken stopped Argentina from taking over the entire island. Because of this, 15 other British people on the island remained free. They were in different locations, from Bird Island to St. Andrews Bay.
After the Battle: A Hero's Welcome
After the battle, Lieutenant Mills and his Marines were seen as heroes in Britain. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his courage. This award recognizes bravery during military operations.
He continued to serve in the Royal Marines. He was promoted to captain in 1989. Captain Mills retired from the Royal Marines in 1996.
Life After the Royal Marines
After leaving the military, Captain Mills began a new career. He started running care homes in the South West of England. His work helps to look after people who need support.
To honor his role in the Battle of Grytviken, a place on South Georgia was named after him. This place is called Mills Peak. It serves as a lasting reminder of his important contribution.
