MILLER Hugh
12/775, Captain, New Zealand Army, WW1
N/N, Major, Home Guard, WW2
27450, Captain, Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand
CITATION
Military Cross
Gazetted 2 November 1918, p13182
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He was leading his attacking section, and, coming under heavy fire from an enemy machinegun in front, he promptly rushed forward with a Lewis gun and, under cover of his fire, enabled his section to advance and take the position, capturing two machinguns and seventeen prisoners. He showed great courage and promptitude.
AWARDS
Military Cross
1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
War Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Medal
Legion Pioneer Axe
NOTES
Born 5 October 1885 Christchurch, New Zealand
Died 20 November 1955 Gisborne, New Zealand
Buried Taruheru Cemetery, Gisborne [RSA Plot 228]
OBITUARY
The death took place at Gisborne of Frontiersman H. MILLER, MC, Pnr, at the age of 71 years, and advice of his passing will be received with deep regret by all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. He had been in indifferent health for some time but in spite of his disabilities he maintained a lively interest in the affairs of the Legion right up to the end. He joined the Legion in 1939, was OC ‘C’ Squadron for a number of years, rendering particularly good service, not only to his unit but to the organisation in general. No matter in what capacity he served, his one aim was the welfare of the Legion, which will be the poorer for his passing. Born in Sydenham, Christchurch, he followed his father in the grocery trade, and later moved to Auckland. On the outbreak of World War 1 he enlisted and went overseas with the 16th Waikato Infantry Regiment, in the Main Body, taking part in the fighting at Gallipoli, later serving in France. He was twice wounded, and received a commission early in 1918, rising to the rank of Captain. Fir gallantry in action at Fork Wood near Bapaume, he received the award of the Military Cross. Returning to New Zealand in 1919, He opened his own grocery business in Gisborne, where he joined the Legion of Frontiersmen, being OC, ‘C’ Squadron, shortly after the outbreak of World War 2. He was in command when ‘C’ Squadron formed the first Home Guard unit in New Zealand, and was Battalion Commander when the Army took over. For a period he resided in Wellington and on his return to Gisborne he was again appointed Squadron OC, holding the office for several years until his health started to decline. However despite all hardships, he displayed the spirit of a true Frontiersman; maintain deep interest in all affairs connected with the Legion till death claimed him. In his young days, he was a representative footballer and sound athlete. Among his later interests was the RSA, of which he was a keen supporter, while he was also a chieftain of the Poverty Bay Pipe Band. At his funeral, members of his Squadron acted as pallbearers, and a pier played the lament “Flowers of the forest.” He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons, to whm the Legion extends deepest sympathy in the great loss they have suffered.
