Memorial to 'remarkable' WW1 soldier listed

A memorial for a "remarkable" World War One soldier who received the Victoria Cross has been given Grade II listed status.

Pte James Miller VC, who was born near Hoghton, Lancashire, in 1890, was shot while delivering a message in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, but fought on to make sure the note got through before dying at its recipient's feet.

The Cornish granite monument which commemorates him in St Paul’s churchyard in Withnell, Lancashire, has been listed for both its historic and architectural interest, Historic England said.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said Pte Miller's actions "should never be forgotten".

The Imperial War Museum said the Battle of the Somme, fought between 1 July and 18 November 1916, was one of the war's bloodiest engagements, which saw British forces suffering more than 57,000 casualties on the first day.

Pte Miller, who had been a worker at a paper mill at Withnell Fold and enlisted into the 7 Battalion, the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in September 1914, was killed on 30 July 1916.

His unit needed reinforcements to hold ground gained in an assault and he was selected to deliver an important message for help "under heavy shell and rifle fire, and to bring back a reply at all costs", the London Gazette reported at the time.

However, the 26-year-old was shot in the back as he left the trench to venture into No Man's Land.

The Gazette report said the bullet came through his abdomen, but "in spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed the gaping wound... 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," it added.

His actions meant reinforcements arrived which meant the lives of many soldiers were saved.

His image appeared in a series of cigarette cards celebrating Victoria Cross recipients of World War One.

In 1917, a 6.5ft (2m) memorial, funded by public subscription, was erected in St Paul’s churchyard.

His name is also recorded on a family gravestone in the churchyard, alongside his brothers, Alex and George, who were also killed later in the war.

His family members visited his gravestone at Becordel-Becourt in northern France in 1989 and photographed it with his medal, which was later donated to the regimental museum in Lancaster.

The museum also holds his shaving mirror and case, which were damaged by the fatal bullet.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said his actions "should never be forgotten".

Bob Flood, chairman of Withnell Parish Council, added: "The story of his courage and self-sacrifice is an inspiration to all who hear it."

Historic England has invited people to tell their stories about this local war memorial.

The official list entry can be viewed here where people can add stories, information and photographs to Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project.

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