Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Hill 60’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private F. T. Miller, Bedfordshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13825 Pte., 1/Bedf. Regt.); 1914-15 Star (13825 Pte., Bedf. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (13825 Pte., Bedf. R.) nearly very fine (3) £1000-1200

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1916. ‘For conspicuous gallantry. The enemy exploded a large mine near our trenches, and two men of a listening post were blown to pieces, and the remaining four were buried by debris. Private Miller, one of the four, succeeded in working himself free, and although injured, managed to dig out the remaining men, working under considerable shell and rifle fire’.

Private Frederick Thomas Miller, 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 27 April 1915. On the front line by Hill 60, the War Diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment records for 11 July 1915, ‘Enemy blew up a mine near trenches 38 & 39 creating a very large crater. Our trenches practically undamaged, but several men injured by falling debris & bombardment by artillery. Casualties 2nd Lt. Cecil & four other ranks killed. 34 wounded, 2 missing (believed killed)’. Private Miller, who was wounded as a result of the explosion, was awarded the D.C.M. for his efforts in rescuing his trapped comrades. He was subsequently discharged and was awarded the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied m.i.c., war diary extracts and other research.