Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War 1917 ‘Airship Coxswain’s’ D.S.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2, later Flying Officer, F. Miller, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, present in the aftermath of the Messina Earthquake disaster, he later flew DH9A’s with 55 Squadron during operations in Kurdistan

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (223410 F. Miller, C.P.O. Mech. R.N.A.S. 1917.); 1914 Star, with clasp (223410. F. Miller, A.M. 1 GR. R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (W.O. 2 F. Miller. R.N.A.S.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Kurdistan (F/O. F. Miller. R.A.F.) surname officially corrected; Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, mounted on card for display, last with edge bruising, remainder generally very fine or better (6) £2,000-£2,400

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 May 1918:
‘For zeal and devotion to duty during the period 1 July - 31 December, 1917.’

Fred Miller was born in Cheshire in July 1887. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in November 1902, and Miller transferred to Air Service duties as a Coxswain Airships, 23 October 1913. He advanced to Air Mechanic 1 in July 1914, and to Petty Officer Mechanic in August 1915. Postings included to H.M.A.S. Pembroke III, H.M.A.S. President II, Killingnorth, Inchmore and Barrow Airship Station.

Miller’s service record shows him as a Balloon Pilot and Airship Coxswain, and he advanced to Warrant Officer Class 2 in December 1917. Miller was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and subsequently qualified as a fixed wing pilot flying DH9A’s with 55 Squadron from Hinaidi during operations in Kurdistan. Having advanced to Flying Officer, Miller retired in 1932. He re-engaged for service during the Second War, and died in June 1946.

Miller wore the Messina Earthquake Medal throughout his entire service, and was present in H.M.S. Aboukir after the disaster. The Admiralty, however, ruled against the ship being eligible for the medal. It is clear that Aboukir’s role in the Messina affair was no more than that of a royal yacht, taking HRH The Duke of Connaught from Malta to the scene of the disaster. However, there were other ships and personnel who also did nothing in the way of rescue and who were permitted to accept the award. No doubt Miller, along with many others felt aggrieved and obtained a medal and wore it accordingly. Thus adding to what was already a rare group.