A memorial dedicated to a soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for giving his life in the First World War has been listed as Grade II.
The memorial to Private James Miller VC, is in St Paul’s churchyard, Withnell.
Private Miller was born near Hoghton in 1890 and displayed remarkable courage during a critical moment in the Battle of the Somme.
Having worked at a paper mill at Withnell Fold, he enlisted at the outbreak of war, joining 7 Battalion the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment in September 1914.
During action on the Somme on 30 July 1916, Miller’s unit took enemy positions, but reinforcements were needed to hold the ground gained in the assault. Miller was selected to deliver the request to the adjacent company.
The London Gazette recorded: “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 through his abdomen.
“In spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed the gaping wound in his abdomen, delivered his message, staggered back with his answer, and fell dead at the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it.
“He gave his life with a supreme devotion to duty.”
His actions saved the lives of many of his comrades.
Inspiring public acclaim, Miller’s image appeared in a series of cigarette cards celebrating Victoria Cross recipients of the First World War.
He was also the subject of a poem, The Story Of The Message, sold to raise funds for the British Red Cross Association.
In 1917, the memorial in St Paul’s churchyard, funded by public subscription, was erected at Miller’s family church.
Miller is also recorded on a family gravestone in the churchyard, alongside the names of his brothers Alex and George, who also died in action later in the war.
Bob Flood, Chair of Withnell Parish Council, said: “Private James Miller VC is remembered with great pride by the people of Withnell and the surrounding villages.
“The story of his courage and self-sacrifice is an inspiration to all who hear it.
“Long may his name be remembered, alongside all who gave their lives in the fight for our freedom.”
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