DEDICATED SERVICE
Isaiah William Miles - 29th Battalion
26 year-old English born tramways employee Isaiah William Miles enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in South Australia on the 12th of June 1915 , listing his mother Emma Miles (who still lived in Sussex , England ) as his next of kin. Assigned to the 32nd battalion he left Australia in February 1916, bound for the Middle East .
Upon arriving in the Middle East he was sent to canal defence duties where he promptly transferred to the 29th battalion. Miles then left the Middle East bound for France , taking part in the battle of Fromelles in July 1916.
Towards the end of 1916 he was attached to the 8th light trench mortar battery and promoted to lieutenant. He remained at this position all the way through until July 1917 before rejoining the 29th battalion. However, he was then sent to the 1st Anzac Corps School , returning to action at the start of 1918 after his second period of leave in the UK .
In July 1918 he was severely wounded with a gun shot wound in the right hand and sent to England to recover. However, his wounds proved too great and he was sent back to Australia and discharged in June 1919 and appointed reserve of officers.
In 1939, Isaiah enlisted for service in the Second World War. Altering his birthday and hence changing his age he enlisted in the 4th garrison battalion. Promoted to Captain he travelled with his battalion to the Middle East before being transferred to the sea transport staff, which he stayed with until 1943 when he returned to the 4th garrison battalion.
Towards the end of 1943 he suffered an injury to his left shoulder which ultimately saw him discharged in 1944.
Isaiah William Miles passed away in South Australia in 1973 and is buried at Centennial Park .
Research notes:
1) Isaiah was a conductor with the tramways.
2) By the time he enlisted in WW2, Isaiah was married to Lavinia Clara Helena Miles, the couple living in North Norwood , South Australia .
Photos:
1) Isaiah William Miles during WW1
2) Isaiah William Miles during WW2.
3) Discharge certificate for Isaiah William Miles.