MILLER, Derek Elton

Known as: 
Dusty
Rank: 
Lieutenant (later Major)
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2993197
326933
Lieutenant Derek Miller was commisioned from the ranks 12 August 1944 [1].
11 April 1945 awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service [2].
Recommendation
"Near Essel on 11 April 1945 Lt. Miller returned from a fighting patrol with a severe wound in his right forearm. This was treated and he was about to be evacuated when an order came through that his Troop were to attack and take a bridge. Lt. Miller refused to  be evacuated at such a time and insisted on remaining with his men for the attack inspite of the fact that his arm was obviously giving him great pain and had to be held in a sling.
Throughout the attack Lt. Miller led his section with great dash and gallantry. He was the first man on the bridge, and dashing over the embankment, he shot, with his pistol in his left hand, three Germans who were in the act of throwing grenades at his following section. He then saw to the collection and evacuation of the wounded men in his section, and having given them orders concerning consolidation he at last allowed himself to be evacuated.
Throughout the action Lt. Miller showed the highest gallantry completely disregarding his severe wound and leading his men with dash and initiative in an extremely successful action." [2a].
  • 1 January 1953 promoted Captain, Gordon Highlanders [3].
  • 17 November 1961 (Major) awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36735, page 4621.
[2] London Gazette 37172, page 3592.
[2a] National Archives file WO373/54/801.
[3] London Gazette 39823, page 2038.
[4] London Gazette 42515, page 8340.
 

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