Born 03-01-1924 at “Ambleside”, Bourne Lane , Middle Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, the youngest of three sons and a daughter to Ada & Harold Miles who was a blacksmith by trade.
Cecil enlisted in the army at Colchester in November 1942 and served in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry and saw much action he rose to the rank of sergeant before his discharge in May 1947. His discharge papers indicate that he was of exemplary conduct, his commanding officer writing that he was an inestimable loss to his unit as nothing was too much trouble and he was absolutely trustworthy.
Anyone who knows Cecil, will be aware that he continued these traits throughout his life. In civilian life he learned to be a carpenter and was very good at his trade, these skills serving him well for the rest of his life. Cecil met and married his wife Vera Sillick a member of the WRNS , in may 1949, they were both saddened when they discovered that they were unable to have a family, and consoled themselves by lavishing their affection on the children of their relatives and friends. Dissatisfied with his employers ,Cecil decided to join the fire service, applying for posts in Surrey fire brigade and Hampshire fire service, becoming successful with the latter, commencing service in October 1948,he served at Alton, Aldershot and finally Farnborough ,retiring on pension July 1976. Cecil was awarded the Queens Fire Service long service and good conduct medal.
A skilled wood carver, Cecil produced many plaques trophies and other artefacts , which were presented to retiring fireman and officers, one such item, commissioned by the County’s deputy Chief Fire Officer, was presented to the president of “The Association of Chief and Assistant Chief Fire officers” at their conference in Ottawa . Cecil was also able to produce many other items in wood , bird boxes, tables and garden ornaments, most of which he gained much pleasure in giving to friends and others for no charge.
Still a very active man he sought employment and obtained a position in the planning department of The Royal Aircraft establishment, Farnborough finally retiring aged 65. During this time Vera died of a stroke, leaving Cecil devastated, but he soldiered on bravely taking care of himself and his home without any help ,until his death on the 20th of June 2010.
Cecil was a life member of the Royal British legion club at Farnborough where he made many friends and he was always appreciative of their company, he was a kind and generous man and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Added by: Norman Boswell on 13 July 2010.
Comments
Dear Uncle Cecil. Ces you were an absolute star and a true gent. I will miss you more than I could say. Friday nights will never be the same. Rest in Peace mate, Pete, Debbie and Carla Parr. Cecil was gentleman and a friend is is grately missed by all at the Royal British Legion Farnborough. He was a character and a giver and is going to be sadly missed by all. rest in peace ces together with your darling wife. Pete Boswell writes [7 November 2010]:
You and antie Vera were my god parents, but to me you were more than that. You spent so much time with all of the boswell family. I loved hearing about your war time storys from a very early age, but best of all were the storys of what went on in the fire service where you met mum and dad. the storys that you dad and uncle Jack(Damant),who all served together made my mind up to be a Firefighter.
I will be going to rememberance day and I am going to wear your medals with honour respect and pride.
I loved you and auntie Vera and I miss you so much, see you in the next life and we can have as much fun as we did in this one
Your Godson
Peter
Peter Parr writes [14 July 2010]:
Steve And Jacki Gatfield writes [13 July 2010]:
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charity information
Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.