Atlantic Star

Awarded to Able Seaman Alfred Miles (1899-1989). A six pointed star, uniface, surmounted by a circular band crowned containing within it the Royal monogram 'G.R.I. VI.' Legend: 'THE ATLANTIC STAR'. Fitted with a ring and blue and pale green shot silk ribbon. Mounted on a bar with nine others. The star commemorates the Battle of the Atlantic and was designed primarily for those serving in convoys, escorts and anti-submarine forces.

Miles came from a modest background, most of the female members of his family were engaged in domestic service and Miles's occupation on joining the Navy is given as 'waiter'. He spent a couple of years as a boy seaman from 5 May 1915 and being rated ordinary seaman on 12 June 1917 signed on for 12 years. In 1918 he was rated Able Seaman. He spent most of the First World War in HMS 'Dominion' based at Sheerness. The ship was unsuccessfully attacked by a German submarine in May 1916. Miles left the Navy when his twelve years was up, but rejoined during the Second World War. He was awarded the Albert Medal for bravery in saving life on HMS 'Saltash' on 1 December 1940.

Object Details

ID: MED2097
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: War medal
Display location: Not on display
Date made: circa 1945
People: Miles, Alfred
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 44 mm