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Original beliefs. Superceded by subsequent research. He was thought (by William George Mills) to have been a Colonel in the R.E and based at the R.E School, Chatham. From the only known photograph that we had, he appeared to be fairly close in age to his brother Thomas William. Now that we have more pictures of James Jesse it is clear that the photograph was not of him but Edward. It turned out that he was 4 years younger and eventually became a Colonel in the R.A.O.C Ann Mills recalls that JJ's family were with him during his overseas postings. In France they lived in a chateaux and Vivian (George) was attacked by an alsatian. Vivian was sent home from Malta with another Army child to a school in Shropshire. Most of their leave was taken in Ireland with Maud's family. Ann recalls going to a big house in Cashel called Longfield which had been the home of Charles Bianconi (an Italian emigre who was responsible for the beginnings of public transport in Ireland). She describes Bianconi as being Vivian's Uncle. John Bianconi was originally an O'Connell but had his name changed on the wishes of his Grandfather Charles Bianconi. Whilst JJ was a competent horse rider (he played polo whilst in Gibraltar), Maud was very good, riding side saddle, hunting etc. She was also a keen tennis player. |
| London Metropolitan Archives - Microfilm No. XO95 334 |
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e-mail from Ann Noyes - Shere & Gomshall Local History Society 19th Nov 2002 Because Shere and Gomshall have such a rich number of old houses most of our records are concerned with them! Bourneside still stands, it is on the main A25 road that runs through Gomshall, opposite the Post Office Stores and the United Reformed chapel. It looks as though it was built in the late 19th century and is now known as 'The Gallery' and sells wine and offers display space for artists in watercolours, ceramic, glass and wood. The site was part of the Gomshall Mill property. In 1965 a bungalow was built on part of the land for the residents of Bourneside, and they moved out of the 'big' house into the bungalow. There is a structure known as 'The Coach House (part of the original Bourneside) which is now the premises of an Antique Restorer who has extended at the back and has recently bought the bungalow. At Shere Museum (Elizabeth Rich. 01483 203245) there is a map of the property, prepared when planning permission was sought for the bungalow. I have so far found no reference to Col. James Jesse Mills OBE Copies of the Electoral Roll on microfiche can be consulted at Surrey History Centre, Woking, 01483 594594. This would confirm the years of his residence There is a story that in World War 2, Bournside was used as a girls' school called Braemar High School for Girls, but I have not seen evidence of this, and I cannot think that it was big enough for that. Best wishes Ann Noyes e-mail to Ann Noyes - Nov 20th 2002 My father and I visited the Surrey History Centre today to view the Electoral Registers. We found our relative James Jesse Mills at Bourneside in 1937 together with his wife Maud Mary (up to today we didn't know he was married). Records for 1939 to 1944 don't exist but in March 1945 Bourneside was occupied by the Braemar High School and by 1950 the school had moved to The Croft. In 1950 Bourneside was occupied by Richard and Prudence Jequier. Ann recalls that after the War ended and George came back from Burma, the family were told that Bourneside was to be requisitioned and that the school refused to move. |
| He had a flat in Kensington |
| Address found in the Deeds to 2 Ethel Road. |
| The house was bought on the 16th April 1959 in the name of Maud Mary Mills and sold on 22nd June 1959 to her son Vivian. The price for both sales was £1350. On James Jesse's death the house was sold for £3400 (21st May 1963) |