George Cross awarded to Able Seaman Alfred Miles (1899-1989) P/23965 (circa 1899-1989). The citation from the ‘London Gazette’ 29 April 1941 reads as follows: ‘On 1 December 1940, when HMS ‘Saltash’ was passing from one dock basin to another, a wire was run out from the starboard bow to the weather corner of the gate so as to hold the bow up to the wind. The wire was taken to the windlass, but this was too slow, and men were picking up the slack by hand, leaving some loose turns on the deck. As the ship drew level the order was passed to turn up. The wire was taken from the windlass to the bollards. Able Seaman Miles saw Able Seaman Thompson standing in a bight of wire and called out to him to get clear, but he failed to do so and the wire drew taut round his ankles. Miles knew that Thompson might be hauled through the bull-ring and that if he himself were caught in the wire he would be in the same danger; yet he tried to force the bight open with his hands. His right hand was jammed between the wire and Thompson’s foot. He said nothing and still tried to free his shipmate. The hurt which caused the loss of his hand was not known until later. Thompson was dragged along the deck to the bull-ring but way was taken off the ship just in time to save him’.

The George Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant 24 September 1940. It is in the form of a silver Greek Cross in the centre of which is a medallion depicting St George and the dragon surrounded by the words ‘FOR GALLANTRY’, a Tudor Rose at the bottom. On the reverse is inscription ‘Able Seaman Alfred Miles 1940’. The cross is suspended by a ring from a bar with laurel leaves attached to a dark blue ribbon. It is mounted on a bar with nine others: 1914-15 Star (MED2093), British War Medal 1914-18 (MED2094), Victory Medal 1914-18 (MED2095), 1939-45 Star (MED2096), Atlantic Star (MED2097), Defence Medal (MED2098), War medal 1939-45 (MED2099), Silver Jubilee Medal Elizabeth II (MED2100), Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Royal Navy 1930-36 (MED2101).

Alfred Miles was initially awarded the Albert Medal (MED1355) but in accordance with the Government’s decision of October 1971, surviving holders of the Albert Medal could exchange them for the George Cross. The original medal being returned to the Home Office could be presented, on behalf of the recipient, to a museum of his choice. Miles died in 1989. aged 89.