George Miller

George Miller (Service No 3509) was born in 1895 in Helensburgh, N.S.W.

When George enlisted at Bluff, Qld., he was single, 21years old and worked as a butcher. George nominated his father was his next of kin.

George was attached to 8th Reinforcements 26th Battalion. He embarked from Brisbane on 3rd January 1916 on HMAT Kyarra A55.  While on board, on 5th January 1916. George disobeyed a lawful command given by a superior officer. It was noted that his general character was very good so he was given 24hrs punishment consisting of extra guard duties.

George disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt, on 27th March 1916.  He was transferred on 24th April 1916 to the Isolation Hospital, France after he contracted German measles on 4th April 1916 at Etaples.

On 6th May 1916 he was transferred to 3 Aust. Division Base Depot, then was taken on strength on 2nd June 1916.

On 22nd November 1916 George was admitted to the Field Ambulance with haemoptosis, (coughing up blood from the respiratory tract.) 

On 6th December 1916, George was admitted to 1st Canadian General Hospital Etaples with Trench feet. This caused by cold and wet conditions and if it is not treated quickly gangrene can set in.  

On 28th December 1916 he was transferred to the 6th Convalescent Depot, then transferred to the 5th Convalescent Depot Cayeux on 30th December 1916.  On 28th 1917 he was discharged from hospital and proceeded to join his Battalion in France on 14th April 1917.

George was promoted to Corporal on 6th May 1917.

On 26th May 1917 George was back in hospital, now having contracted mumps. He rejoined his Battalion 23rd June 1917 and the next day he proceeded to England for Leave until 6th August 1917. 

George was then detached to Lewis Gun School, France.

He was promoted to Lance Sergeant to complete establishment on 6th September 1917 and rejoined his Battalion in Belgium on 25th September 1917.  The same day he was promoted to Sergeant following the death of Sergeant Bogle.

On Christmas Day 1917 George was detached to 2nd Army school and rejoined his Battalion on 9th February 1918. 

On 27 February 1918 George was recommended for the Military Medal.  The recommendation for his MM reads: 'This N.C.O. while in command of a Lewis Gun Section on two occasions at ZONNEBEKE and BROODSEINDE RIDGE [ YPRES] had the whole of his, unreadable, out by Artillery fire and by his own personal efforts carrying both Lewis Gun, again unreadable, brought his gun into action on reaching the first ?. He accounted for quite a number of the enemy on both occasions and his coolness and action had a marked effect on all.'  Awarded 17 June 1919.

George proceeded on leave from Belgium to England on 14th March 1918 and returned on 1st April 1918.

On 26th May 1918 George was again admitted to hospital at Camiers having ruptured muscles in the left groin.  He embarked to England on 30th May 1918 on HS Brighton. He was admitted to hospital in King’s Heath. On 13th September 1918 George proceeded overseas to France from Langwarren via Folk stone. He arrived back in France 3 days later and proceeded to join his unit.

On 18th September 1918 George rejoined his battalion in France.  On the 3rd October 1918 George was involved in fighting when he received a gunshot wound to his neck.  His actions at this time resulted in his being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.  The recommendation for his DCM reads: 'As soon as the first enemy strong post was reached in the attack on the BEAUREVOIR LINE East of PERONNE, on 3rd October. 1918. This N.C.O. rushed forward alone and shot one of the garrison who was sniping our advancing troops. He then encountered an enemy gunner and put him out of action, capturing the remainder of the crew of the machine gun, thus enabling our advance at this point to continue. A few moments later he was wounded in the neck, and was evacuated. He showed wonderful dash and his coolness and courage was a fine example to his men. His gallant act prevented our advance from being seriously checked.'  Dated 26th January 1919. Awarded 3rd June 1920.

George was discharged on 30th November 1918 to No 4 Convalescent Depot Hendcott.

On 14th January 1919 George returned to Australia per the City of York from England.  He arrived home on 27th February 1919.

George was discharged from the AIF on 12th July 1919.