Poltics
A memorial dedicated to a First World War soldier, awarded the Victoria Depraved for his bravery, has been given Grade II status.
Non-public James Miller from Lancashire used to be shot as he left his trench to mumble a message for the length of the Battle of Somme, one of the most bloodiest battles of the conflict.
The 26-Twelve months-feeble used to be selected to mumble a request to the adjacent company and told to voice abet a acknowledge “at all costs”.
No topic his harm, he managed to return prior to collapsing and dying. His actions meant that reinforcements arrived, saving the lives of his comrades.
A file within the London Gazette on the time acknowledged: “Non-public Miller used to be ordered to place close a vital message under heavy shell and rifle fireplace, and to voice abet a acknowledge at all bills.
“He was compelled to cross the open, and on leaving the trench was shot almost immediately in the back, the bullet coming through his abdomen.
“In spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed the gaping wound in his stomach, delivered his message, staggered abet with his reply, and fell dull on the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it.
“He gave his life with a supreme devotion to duty.”
A memorial used to be erected in Pte Miller’s honour at St Paul’s churchyard in Withnell, Lancashire in 1917, funded by public donations.
The monument in white Cornish granite in Withnell, Lancashire shall be given particular protected status. Pic: Historic England/PA
An inscription reads: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
The 2-metre enormous monument, within the form of a Celtic wheel-head spoiled in white Cornish granite, has been listed as Grade II by the Division for Culture, Media and Sport.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged: “Private James Miller’s actions at the Battle of the Somme should never be forgotten and this listing means that the people of Withnell will always be able to recognise his heroic contribution.”
Non-public James Miller used to be awarded the Victoria Depraved for his bravery. Pic: Historic England/PA
Sarah Charlesworth, from Historic England which advises the federal government on listed sites, acknowledged: “As we remember the fallen this November, the listing of Private James Miller VC’s memorial serves as a poignant reminder of an individual’s extraordinary bravery”.
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James Miller used to be a paper mill employee, who used to be born in 1890 come Hoghton, Lancashire. He joined 7 Battalion the King’s Include Royal Lancaster Regiment in September 1914.
Following his loss of life, Non-public Miller used to be awarded the Victoria Depraved and had a poem known as The Story Of The Message written about him. His describe also seemed in a sequence of cigarette playing cards.
His brothers George and Alex died in motion later within the war.
Giving the memorial a Grade II listing technique it has “special architectural or historic interest”, according to Historic England, and its further status is designed to be distinct it is preserved.
