Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Christopher Sidney Miller was born at Bilston in 1895 where he was baptised at St Luke's on 3rd November. He was the son of George Miller, a Corn Factor, and his wife Mary Elizabeth who lived on the Willenhall Road. By 1901 the Millers had moved to farm at The Retreat, Pattingham. George doesn't seem to have taken to farming - by 1909 he was trading as a grocer in Pattingham. In 1911 Christopher, 17, was helping in the family business but when he attested for the army in December 1915 he gave his occupation as 'chemist's assistant'.
Christopher went to France on 22nd May, 1916 with the 2nd/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. His division suffered heavy casualties during the Attack at Fromelles on 19th July. Christopher was reported missing a few weeks later on 7th September, 1916. when his battalion was at Fauquissart. The battalion war diary simply records:
7/9/16 ...... 11-1 Small raid by "B" coy. Casualties 3 missing, 3 wounded.
He was reported as
Missing 8/9/16. Regarded for official purposes as having died on or since 7/9/16.
Private Christopher Sidney Miller, 306418, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. His older brother George is named on the Roll of Honour in Pattingham Church.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.