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Francis George Miles VC, 1/5th Bn Gloucestershire Regiment, 23 October 1918
25th Division took part in the Battle of the Selle, to the east of Le Cateau, during the final advance of the war. On 23 October 1918, 75th Brigade advanced against the Bois l'Évêque at 01.20 hrs but for five hours heavy and stubborn fighting ensued. Dense mist covered the battlefield.
The War Diary of 1/5th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment states that the Glosters advanced behind 7th Brigade. After advancing 500 yards, C Company encountered stiff resistance from enemy machine guns in a sunken road, close to a mill.
Under exceptionally heavy fire, Private Miles advanced by himself, taking all available cover. He killed one machine gunner and kicking his gun over, took six prisoners. Then seeing another gun nearby, he again went forward alone, shot the gunner and captured the team of eight. Finally he stood up and beckoned to his company who, acting on his signals, were able to capture 16 machine-guns, one officer and 50 other ranks.
On his back is his haversack. His gas respirator is in its pack on his chest. On each shoulder strap is the title GLOSTER in brass. Photos of the October fighting in this area show that there were a lot of trees.
I was shown 3 photographs of the presentation of the VC to Private Miles in France, in the possession of Mr Chris Miles (his son) and Mrs Martin (his step-daughter). Miles was not tall. On his lower left sleeve he wore a marksman’s badge (crossed rifles). Below the rear of the collar of his tunic was a red horseshoe badge (of 25th Division).
Miles, of Clearwell, Gloucestershire, joined up again in World War II serving with the Pioneer Corps.
In 1984 the District Council of the Forest of Dean commissioned this painting. It was presented by the Chairman of the Council to the Colonel of the Regiment, Gen. Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, at a parade on 20 October 1984, on the occasion of the granting of the Freedom of the Borough to 1st Bn The Gloucestershire Regiment.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B3 only (approx 43 x 27 cm)
Owner: The Rifles
Price(s): £60
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