Robert Harvey Miller
Private
46th Searchlight Regiment - Royal Engineers
Redshirt Rebellion
Garbed in combat kilt and pith helmet, the 2nd Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders made a distinct impression as they marched into the dreaded hill country of Peshawar in British controlled India. Carrying with them their Lee Enfield rifles and water-cooled machine guns with thousands of rounds of ammunition. To the younger lads of the battalion such as 23-year-old Robert Miller, it might have seemed a bit overly zealous, but the battalion had reason to be prepared. The region being within sight of the infamous Kyber Pass and Afghanistan, a hot bed for earlier revolts. Presently the party of concern were the local Afridi tribesmen who were involved in what British Imperial authorities dubbed the ‘Redshirt Rebellion’ (1). Though the political movement for sovereignty had caused several riots, there hadn’t necessarily been an armed uprising, but there was cause for concern given the feared fighting prowess of the local mountain peoples (1).
In the heat of the subcontinent, Robert and his fellow highlanders were quickly put to work after settling themselves in Miri Khel (2). Constructing defensive positions, roads, and strongpoints which they manned and patrolled (2). The strategy was to contain the ideology within Peshawar, the soldiers restricting the movements of local dissidents via their many checkpoints. With such an imposing and well-armed force present, the unrest quickly faded as the Seaforths went about their routine missions until 1932 (2).
Highlanders Overseas
Temperatures in the port of Haifa in Palestine were a minor improvement upon those in India. Such heat if prevalent back in Sunderland, might have made Robert’s initial career as an ice cream salesman quite profitable, though it was now long in the past. Instead the sharp featured Englishman spent his time patrolling the ancient port city, keeping the peace between the peoples of different religious sects. Initially things were quiet, but as more Jews immigrated into the nation, tensions rose in the Arab community with the highlanders being called upon to break up major riots beginning in 1933 (2). It proved a taxing duty, though the welcome arrival of the 1st Battalion in country provided some joy to the men, the close proximity between the battalions allowing for social events to build comradery within the regiment (2).
Well-tanned and exhausted from overseas duty, Robert was finally returned to the United Kingdom, with the 2nd Battalion being posted to Dover in 1934 (2). During their time in residence at Dover Castle, the lads had the honor of witnessing the battalion receiving its 8th Stand of Colours from the Prince of Wales (2). It was a wonderful period to be in the famed Regiment, Robert’s time coming to an end with the Seaforths in 1937 after some 12-years of dedicated service since enlisting at 18 in 1925.
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Battle of Britain
The veteran highlander returned home but reenlisted in the territorial component of the Royal Engineers as a reservist. Settling down in Sutherland with his beloved wife, Dorothy, attempting to rejoin the civilian world. But when the flames of war once again broke out in Europe, he quickly returned to the colours, being activated in the Royal Engineers. Posted only to home service, it was rather a shock in 1940 when even England became an active front, the proud soldier manning his position as part of the 46th Search Light Regiment, facing off against the infamous Luftwaffe.
The dreaded hum of Heinkle engines reverberated through the air, the darkness of the late hours of night cloaking their bulky silhouettes. Yet the searchlight batteries were already notified and soon their bright dashing light began fixating on the aircraft, allowing friendly guns to unleash a hail of fire upon the planes. It was a routine procedure which occurred whenever enemy aircraft came within sight of the batteries, Robert proudly serving with several throughout the most intense years of the blitz. Working with such a defenseless piece of equipment took nerve, their only protection often being the rudimentary diches dug around the battery (3). His years spent overseas provided excellent experience, the proud Englishman remaining level headed and never faltering at duty, helping to defend his beloved home until the skies at last were clear in late 1944.
Sources:
(1) The North-West Frontier, National Army Museum, https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/north-west-frontier-india
(2) 2nd Seaforth 1919-1939, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, pg 125
(3) Searchlight Battery Exd 9, Heritage Gateway, https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1560460&sort=4&search=all&criteria=light%20anti%20aircraft&rational=q&recordsperpage=60&p=11&move=n&nor=1576&recfc=0&resourceID=19191
(1) The North-West Frontier, National Army Museum, https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/north-west-frontier-india
(2) 2nd Seaforth 1919-1939, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, pg 125
(3) Searchlight Battery Exd 9, Heritage Gateway, https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1560460&sort=4&search=all&criteria=light%20anti%20aircraft&rational=q&recordsperpage=60&p=11&move=n&nor=1576&recfc=0&resourceID=19191