2nd Lieutenant Edgar Kinghorn Myles V.C.
(9th April 1916)

8th Bn The Welsh Regiment
Attached 9th Bn The Worcestershire Regiment

2nd Lieutenant Myles saw service with the 9th Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment at Gallipoli, in Egypt and Mesopotamia (in the Tigris Campaign)—He fought with the rearguard at the evacuation at Suvla Bay and Helles in 1915-16. He was awarded his Victoria Cross (at the age of 21) at Sanna-i-Yat, Mesopotamia, whilst the 9th Battalion were trying to relieve Kut, under the command of Lieut.-General Sir Stanley Maude, on 9th April, 1916.

The citation reads:
"Edward Kinghorn Myles, Lieutenant The Welch Regiment for most conspicuous bravery. He went out alone on several occasions in front of our advance trenches, and, under heavy rifle fire and at great personal risk, assisted wounded men lying in the open. On one occasion he carried in a wounded officer to a place of safety under circumstances of great danger."
(He was also hit by enemy fire while carrying a wounded man, but staggered on and brought him to safety.)
 
Early November 1916 the Army Commander General Sir Stanley Maude (who sadly died suddenly of cholera a year later) presented the ribbon of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Myles for his bravery in the Tigris Campaign.

Technically Lieutenant Myles was an Officer of the Welsh Regiment, to which he had been gazetted; but he had served throughout the war with the 9th Worcestershire Regiment, and was afterwards transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment.

Myles was also awarded the DSO on the 17th March 1917 at the Battle of  with the 9th Battalion.

On 25th January 1917, still serving with the 9th Battalion at Kut-Al-Amara whilst he was acting Captain, he was created a companion of the Distinguished Service Order. 
The Citation for this reads: 
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the officers except two had become casualties, he, for five hours, inspired confidence in the defence against two counter-attacks and sent back most accurate and valuable reports of the situation. His courage and fine example were largely responsible for the steadiness of all ranks under him."

In this action he was wounded. He was also twice mentioned in despatches.
  
Lieutenant Myles was born at Wanstead, Essex on the 29th July 1894.

Myles had enlisted into The Worcestershire Regiment on 20th August 1914. He was discharged in the rank of Lance-Corporal on 20th November 1914 on app ointment to a temporary commission as 2/Lieutenant in The Worcestershire Regiment.

Promoted Lieutenant in The Regiment on 22nd July 1915 he was then given a Regular Commission in The Welch Regiment as a 2/Lieutenant on 7th January 1916 with seniority 4th December 1915.

He was transferred to The Worcestershire Regiment in the rank of 2/Lieut. and promoted Lieutenant on 12th January 1917.

He was transferred to The King's Liverpool Regiment on 9th May 1923.

Promoted Captain on 22nd February 1925, he retired on 10th March 1928—He was re-employed for some months in 1939-40.

 In November 1960 his Decorations and medals came on the market. They were bought by The Worcestershire Regiment and are now on display in the City Museum in Worcester.
  


Myles as a Lieutenant

Captain Edgar Kinghorn Myles, V.C., D.S.O., died at Bishopsteignton, Devonshire, on the 31st January 1977 at the age of 82. Captain Myles' funeral took place at Torbay and he was buried at the Crematorium Torquay. The Regiment was represented by Major A. J. Gutch, M.C.
  

 

 Edgar Kinghorn Myles V.C. medal group
  

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