Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal awarded to Brigadier R. Miles, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., Royal New Zealand Artillery

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, 3rd type, unmarked (Stagg Type C) (Capt. R. Miles. D.S.O. M.C. R.N.Z.A.) impressed naming; together with the recipient’s New Zealand Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (6191 Brig. R. Miles CBE. DSO. MC. MID.) in case of issue with Prime Minister’s condolence slip, nearly extremely fine (2) £400-£500

Reginald Miles was born in Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1892. He served in Gallipoli with the Royal New Zealand Artillery (wounded) and was awarded the M.C. for the Somme 1916 and the D.S.O. for Ploegsteert Wood in April 1918 (wounded, M.I.D.). As a Brigadier, he was again mentioned in despatches for the Middle East in December 1941, being wounded and taken prisoner of war. Together with Brigadier James Harvest, Miles was the highest ranking ‘escaper’ of W.W.II, having evaded capture after escaping from Italy and making his way to Spain late in 1943, where, whilst awaiting repatriation, he committed suicide whilst in a state of depression on 20 October 1943. He was gazetted with both a Bar to his D.S.O. and the C.B.E. in October 1943. Brigadier Reginald Miles, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., is buried in the Municipal Cemetery, Figueras, Spain.

Sold with the book Farewell Campo 12, by Brigadier James Hargest, with numerous mentions of Miles and their escape stories; also with the booklet The Long Service Medals awarded in the New Zealand Army 1887-1957, by Captain G. T. Stagg, R.N.Z.A., and full details of Brigadier Miles’ service career.