Personal info
- Name: James MILLER
- D.O.B: 4th May, 1890
- D.O.A: 31st Jul, 1916
- D.O.D: 31st May, 1916
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 7th Battalion The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, 56th Brigade, 19th Division
Bazentin-le-Petit, France 30-31 July 1916
30-31 July 1916
The First World War 1916
The British had attacked Bazentin Ridge in the middle of July 1916. On 30 and 31 July 1916 the 19th Division attacked ‘Intermediate Trench’, north of Bazentin-le-Petit between Pozières and Longueval.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery. His battalion was consolidating a position after its capture by assault. Private Miller was ordered to take an important message under heavy shell and rifle fire and to bring back a reply at all costs. He was compelled to cross the open, and on leaving the trench was shot almost immediately in the back, the bullet coming out through his abdomen. In spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed with his hand the gaping wound in his abdomen, delivered his message, staggered back with the answer, and fell at the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it. He gave his life with a supreme devotion to duty.