Distinguished Conduct Medal GVR (24969 SJT. F. MILES. B.BY: 72/BDE. R.F.A.); 1914 Star with clasp 5 Aug-22 Nov 1914 (24969 BMBR: F. MILES. R.F.A.); British War Medal (24969 A-W.O.CL.2. F. MILES. R.A.); Victory Medal (24969 A-W.O.CL.2. F. MILES. R.A.); Defence Medal; Imperial Service Medal GVIR (FRANK MILES D.C.M.)
Frank Miles was born in Forest Row, East Grinstead, Sussex on 12 April 1885. He enlisted for service in the Royal Field Artillery on 9 July 1902, narrowly missing out on potential service in the Anglo Boer War which had ended three months previously. All of his service was home based until being posted to France on 19 August 1914 - two weeks after the Great War commenced.
His first stint of service was until 12 February 1915 whereafter he was returned to England until heading back to the Western Front on 9 July 1915. He served with the 15th Divisional Artillery, specifically "B" Battery, 72nd Brigade and was deployed back home on 9 March 1918 for 14 days leave before returning to the action on 24 March 1918. His war was over on 16 October 1918 when he was sent home for the last time.
Whilst in France Miles was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the LG of 23 October 1916, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion on many occasions during heavy bombardments, notably in going to the assistance of two men and carrying them to a dressing station. He left his dug-out, regardless of danger, and extinguished a fire in a dump of ammunition, preventing it from spreading."
Pre-war Miles had been a Postal worker in Rochester and he continued with this occupation after demobilisation. According to the 1939 Register he was a Postman living at 68 Catherine Street, Rochester. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in the London Gazette of 9 May 1950 as Postman for Rochester and Chatham. His ISM medal carries the post-nominals "D.C.M." after his name.
The Chatham Standard of October 18th 1950 carried an article covering a dinner held to present the ISM to Miles and a colleague. The Head Postmaster stating that, "We have estimated that Mr Miles, who has been a postman in the Rochester district from 1910 until April this year walked during his period of service some 80 000 miles." Miles and Miles for Miles it could be said.
Still living at the same address, Miles passed away on 1 February 1957.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research.
