Francis MILES. VC

Francis George MILES. Victoria Cross.

Private Francis George MILES. Born 9th July 1896 in Clearwell in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, died 8th November 1961. He enlisted in 1914 and was serving with the 1/5th Glosters when he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
His citation, reads
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack on 23rd October 1918 during the advance on Bois L'Eveque Landrecies, France when his company was held up by a line of enemy machine guns in the suken road near the Moulin J Jacques. Private Miles alone, and on his won initiative went forward, under exceptionally heavy fire, located a machin gun, shot the gunner and put the gun out of action. Observing another gun nearby, he again advanced alone, shot the gunner, rushed the gun, and captured the team of eight. Finally, he stood up and beckoned his company, who was acting on his signals were enabled to work round the rear of the line and to capture 16 machine guns and one officer and 50 other ranks. It was due to the courage, initiative shown by the very gallant soldier that his company was enabled to advance at a time when any delay would have jeopardised seriously the who operation.
Following the First World War he returned to become a Free Miner, in the Forest of Dean. He is at rest at Clearwell, Gloucestershire.