Eli Frederick Miles

Story:
Eli Frederick Miles was born in the Tisbury, Wiltshire, Registration area on 30th July 1896, the son of Eli Miles and Bessie Eliza Miles (née Wilmott).  His family had moved to 5 Victoria Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, by 1911.  Eli enlisted on 22nd July 1912 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Class III (Service No. J/19087).  He served on many ships over his period of service and progressed through the ranks to become a Petty Office.  For his service in the war he was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.  Towards the end of his engagement on 1st October 1926 he was further awarded the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.  He had married Violet Olive Henbest at Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury, on 1st January 1920.  By the time of the 1939 Register his wife and family were living at 487 Sidcup Road, Eltham, Woolwich, London.  Eli himself had re-enlisted in the Royal Navy on 7th January 1929 and continued in service as a Chief Petty Officer Instructor until demobilized on 10th September 1945.  He died in Eltham on 3rd September 1973.