A memorial to a First World War soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery has been granted Grade II status.

Private James Miller Lancashire was shot dead as he left his trench to deliver a message during the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.

The 26-year-old was chosen to forward a request to the adjacent company and must report a response “at all costs”.

Despite his injury, he managed to return before collapsing and dying. His actions caused reinforcements to arrive, saving the lives of his comrades.

An article in the London Gazette at the time said: “Private Miller was ordered to deliver an important message under heavy shell and rifle fire, and to bring back a response at all costs.

“He was forced to cross the trench and, as he left the trench, he was hit almost immediately in the back, the bullet passing through his abdomen.

“In spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed the gaping wound in his abdomen, delivered his message, staggered back with his reply, and fell dead at the feet of the officer to whom he conveyed it.

“He gave his life with supreme devotion to duty.”

A memorial was erected to Pte Miller at St Paul’s Cemetery in Withnell, Lancashire in 1917, funded by public donations.

An inscription reads: “Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” »

The two meter high monument, in the shape of a Celtic cross made from white Cornish granite, has been Grade II listed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The actions of Private James Miller during the Battle of the Somme must never be forgotten and this inscription means the people of Withnell will always be able to recognize his heroic contribution. »

Sarah Charlesworth, of Historic England which advises the government on listed sites, said: “As we remember the dead in November, the listing of Private James Miller VC’s memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary bravery of an individual.”

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James Miller was a paper mill worker born in 1890 near Hoghton, Lancashire. He joined the 7th Battalion of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment in September 1914.

After his death, Private Miller was awarded the Victoria Cross and a poem entitled The Story of the Message was written about him. His image also appeared in a series of cigarette cards.

His brothers George and Alex died in action later in the war.

Giving the memorial a Grade II listing means it is “of special architectural or historic interest”, according to Historic England, and its additional status is designed to ensure its preservation.