James Arthur Miller 24 Squadron

[Simon Birch]

While searching the site I came across an old closed post requesting details on the death of this pilot together with a picture of his grave at Bertanlges.

According to the diary of Thomas Spencer (AM1) of 65 Squadron the following happened.

"Lt J. A. Miller was taking off in a S.E.5a when he crashed. His machine caught fire and he was burnt to death. We were powerless to help him, the ammunition in his guns and belt boxes was exploding and bullets were flying around. Soon the fire died down and his charred remains were taken out of his machine and buried close by in a wood, a wooden cross made from a propeller marks his grave"

An American he was born in Hawaii and lived with his parents in Pasadena in California. He was 24 when he died and is now the sole war grave in Bertangles Communal Cemetry.

Hope that helps,

Simon