Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War C.B. group of six awarded to Admiral Francis Spurstow Miller, Royal Navy

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (F. S. Miller, Midn., R.N.H.M.S. “Monarch”); 1914-15 Star (R. Adml. F. S. Miller); British War and Victory Medals (V. Adml. F. S. Miller); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed, minor contact marks, good very fine (6) £1000-1400

C.B. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

Francis Spurstow Miller was born in Litherland Park, Liverpool on 25 November 1863. He was educated at the United Services College, Westward Ho! and entered the Royal Navy in 1877. Served as a Midshipman aboard the Monarch at the bombardment of Alexandria, 11 July 1882. Promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in 1883, Lieutenant in 1885, Commander in 1897 and Captain in 1903. He commanded the Hawke, 1905-06; Sutlej, 1906-07; Goliath, 1907-09, and Duncan, 1912-13. He was Assistant Hydrographer Admiralty, 1909-12. Whilst in this post he testified at the British Wreck Commissioner’s Inquiry into the loss of R.M.S. Titanic. During the war he was in administrative charge of the Scapa Naval Base, 1914-16 and then placed in charge of the Northern Division of the coast of Ireland, 1917-19. Miller was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1913 and Vice-Admiral in 1918. In 1919 he was awarded the C.B. for his wartime services. He retired in 1920, being promoted to Admiral in 1922. Latterly living in Bournemouth, Admiral Miller died on 6 February 1954.

With copied photograph and copied research.

For his son’s medals, see lot 758.