Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
James Miller was born on 11th May 1896 in Dorking, Surrey to labourer James snr and Emma Jane (nee Peters). He was baptised on 7th October 1900 at St Martin’s church in Dorking. At the time of the baptism the family lived at 36 Cotmandene in Dorking.
James’ mother Emma was born in the 3rd quarter of 1871 in Dorking, and his father, James snr, was born about 1861 in Nottingham. They married in the 1st quarter of 1891 in Dorking.
At the time of the 1891 Census, James snr and Emma Jane lived at 7 Ebenezer Road, Dorking. James was working as a general labourer.
James Miller Jnr had ten siblings of whom eight are known: May born on 5th March 1894 in Wimbledon, Surrey. Emma Margaret born 19th March 1898; Rosina born on 21st July 1900; Violet Mabel born on 9th February 1902; George born in the 4th quarter of 1904; Alfred born on 27th February 1907; Frederick Robert born on 8th October 1909 and Bertha Helen Miller born on 27th February 1912, all in Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 36 Cotmandene. James Miller Snr was working as a gas stoker and Emma was looking after their children: May, James, Emma Margaret and Rosina.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 31 Mill Lane in Dorking. James snr was working as a general labourer and Emma was at home. Of their children: May was a laundry maid ironer; James Jnr was grocer’s errand boy and Emma; Rosina; Violet; George; Alfred and Robert were at school. Emma stated that she had given birth to nine children of whom eight were still alive. The accommodation had five rooms.
James snr died in December 1914 in Dorking and was buried on 22nd December 1914 in Dorking Cemetery.
James Miller enlisted in September 1915 in Dorking into the 10th Battalion, the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was a Private with regimental number G/6643. At the time of his enlistment James resided in Dorking and was employed in the Bury Hill gardens and previous to that at Camilla Lacey in Westhumble.
James went to France in May 1916.
PTE J. MILLER
(Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regt.).
Pte. James Miller, who was killed in France on July 13th, was the eldest son of Mrs. Miller of 31, Ansell Road, Dorking. Before joining the Army in September last he was employed in the Bury Hill Gardens, and previous to that at Camilla Lacey, Westhumble. He was only 20 years of age, and went out to France in May last. In sending his sympathy to Mrs. Miller, the deceased’s Captain says : “Pte Miller was at the time on sentry over a bombing party within some seven or eight yards of the enemy’s trenches. A mortar fired from their lines fell among the party, wounding him and three of his comrades. He was struck in the head by a piece of shrapnel; he never regained consciousness and expired before reaching the dressing station.” Deceased with his mother’s main support. Mrs. Miller lost her husband 12 months ago last December, and is left with a family of nine, six of whom are dependent upon her.
James Miller Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser – findmypast.co.uk
James Miller was buried at the Berks Cemetery Extension in France. His grave reference number is I.F.20.
James’ sister May received £2, 6s and 6d on 23rd October 1916 and a further £3 on 22nd September 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
James Miller received the British War and Victory medals.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | The late James and Emma Jane Miller (nee Peters) of 31 Ansell Road, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 10th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment | |
| Number | G/6643 | |
| Date of Death | 13th July 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 20 | |
| Cemetery | Berks Cemetery Extension, Ploegsteert, Belgium |
