CLEARWELL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

The village of Clearwell holds the proud distinction of having been the most patriotic village in England during the Great War of 1914-1918. She having contributed one or more soldiers from every household.

Clearwell also boasts the record of having sent more soldiers in proportion to population than any village in Great Britain. These men were all volunteers before the act of conscription.

One of her volunteers 17324 private Francis George Miles won his Country's highest honour, the Victoria Cross. He was the only private soldier to win such an award while serving with the Goucestershire Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack on 23rd October 1918, during the advance against the Bois L'eregue when his company was held up by a line of enemy machine guns in the sunken road near the Moulin J Jaques. Private Miles alone and on his own initiative went forward under exceptional heavy fire, locating a machine gun, shot the gunner and put the gun out of action.

Observing another gun nearby, he again advanced alone, shot the gunner, rushed the gun and captured the team of eight. Finally, he stood up and beckoned his company who acting on his signals, were enabled to work around the rest of the line and to capture sixteen machine guns, one officer and fifty other ranks.

It was due to the courage, initiative and entire disregard of personal safety shown by this very gallant soldier that the company was enabled to advance at a time that any delay would have jeopardized seriously the whole operation.

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