A paper mill worker at Withnell Fold, Private Miller enlisted at the start of the war, joining the 7th Battalion of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in September 1914, he was killed during the Battle of the Somme.

It took place between July and November 1916 and was considered one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with more than 57,000 British casualties killed on the first day.

On July 30, 1916, Miller’s unit needed reinforcements to hold the ground gained during the assault.

He was chosen to deliver an important message of help “under heavy fire from shells and guns, and to bring back a response at all costs”, the London Gazette reported at the time.

Private Miller was shot almost immediately in the back as he left the trench and ventured into “No Man’s Land.”

The bullet passed through his abdomen and the Gazette noted: “Despite this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compressed the gaping wound in his abdomen, delivered his message, staggered back with his response and was fell dead at his feet. of the officer to whom he gave it. He gave his life with supreme devotion to duty.

Reinforcements arrived, his actions saving the lives of many soldiers.

His image appeared on a series of cigarette cards celebrating the Victoria Cross recipients of the First World War.