Memorial dedicated to WWI soldier for bravery secures Grade II status in Lancashire

A memorial dedicated to a First World War soldier, awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery, has been given Grade II status.

Private James Miller from Lancashire was shot as he left his trench to deliver a message during the Battle of Somme, one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.

The 26-year-old was selected to deliver a request to the adjacent company and told to bring back a reply "at all costs".

Despite his injury, he managed to return before collapsing and dying. His actions meant that reinforcements arrived, saving the lives of his comrades.

A report in the London Gazette at the time said: "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."

A memorial was erected in Pte Miller's honour at St Paul's churchyard in Withnell, Lancashire in 1917, funded by public donations.

An inscription reads: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

The two-metre tall monument, in the shape of a Celtic wheel-head cross in white Cornish granite, has been listed as Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "Private James Miller's actions at the Battle of the Somme should never be forgotten and this listing means that the people of Withnell will always be able to recognise his heroic contribution."

Sarah Charlesworth, from Historic England which advises the government on listed sites, said: "As we remember the fallen this November, the listing of Private James Miller VC's memorial serves as a poignant reminder of an individual's extraordinary bravery".

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James Miller was a paper mill worker, who was born in 1890 near Hoghton, Lancashire. He joined 7 Battalion the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment in September 1914.

Following his death, Private Miller was awarded the Victoria Cross and had a poem called The Story Of The Message written about him. His image also appeared in a series of cigarette cards.

His brothers George and Alex died in action later in the war.

Giving the memorial a Grade II listing means it has "special architectural or historic interest", according to Historic England, and its additional status is designed to ensure it is preserved.

(c) Sky News 2024: Memorial dedicated to WWI soldier for bravery secures Grade II status in Lancashire