The idea of investigating large wave-vector magnetic excitations in ultrathin films by spin-polarized electron spectroscopy is brief reviewed. The historical background of the paper is based on the personal experience of the authors who collaborated and discussed with Douglas Mills regarding this subject. Douglas Mills' impact on the understanding of fundamental mechanisms involved in the excitation process and the development of the theory of magnetic excitations is outlined. In addition, the temperature effects on the large wave-vector magnetic excitations in ultrathin Fe films are addressed. The experimental results of magnon excitations in the pseudomorphic Fe monolayer on W(110) are presented. The temperature dependence of the magnon dispersion relation is discussed.