The REME Museum is delighted to announce the acquisition of a set of medals from Warrant Officer Class 2 Adam 'Dusty' Miller CGC, including the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC). This medal is the only one of its kind awarded to a REME soldier and the highest gallantry award any REME personnel has ever received.

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is an operational gallantry medal, second only to the Victoria Cross, awarded to all ranks in recognition of "acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy". Since it was first introduced in 1993, only 60 have been awarded in total.

The addition of the medal to the Museum's large collection marks a momentous occasion, helping to share the valuable contributions of REME to the efforts of the British Armed Forces and inspiring future generations of soldiers to come. Along with the medal set, the Museum also acquired a number of related items, including photographs, the medal award citation and other associated documents.

On the acquisition of the medal, Major (Retd) Rick Henderson, REME Museum Director said:

“The Museum is extremely proud to be able to display the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) awarded to then Cpl Adam Miller for his actions in 2007. The Museum is also eternally grateful to all those people who supported us in delivering this project. It is very fitting that the medal will be on public display at the REME Museum. The Museum sits just outside the Home of the Corps and Technical Training Establishment at MOD Lyneham. It is at this Training establishment that all REME personnel receive their trade training.”

Mr Miller formally handing over the CGC to our collection, received by Museum Director, Maj (Retd) Henderson.

The REME Museum was only able to acquire these incredibly important items with thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players. The Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of the UK's heritage, passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people's lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at the Heritage Fund, said:

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’ve been able to support the REME Museum securing this nationally important medal. It represents a key moment in military history and means that the incredible story of Cpl Adam Miller will be shared for generations to come.”

This was alongside generous support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, a government fund that helps regional museums, record offices and specialist libraries in England and Wales to acquire objects relating to the arts, literature and history. Leanne Manfredi, National Programmes Lead at the Victoria and Albert Museum commented:

“The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales. We are delighted that this set of medals from Warrant Officer Class 2 Adam 'Dusty' Miller CGC, including the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) has been acquired by REME. They will benefit audiences for years to come.”

This support has also made possible the introduction of a new educational programme, based around the concept of Citizenship, which will use the medal as an inspirational starting point for discussions around bravery, duty and responsibility.

The medal group and associated items will be displayed in a brand new, bespoke display case in the Museum's Remembrance Gallery. It will be situated alongside a painting by David Cobley, depicting Corporal Miller in action in Basra, Iraq in 2007, for which he was awarded the CGC. The display is set to be officially opened on 13 April 2024 and the Museum invites anyone who wishes to come along to watch the unveiling ceremony, which will take place from 1:30pm – 2pm. You will need to either book in advance or purchase an Admission ticket on the door, and simply make your way to the Remembrance Gallery by this time. All regular prices and discounts apply.

Corporal Adam Miller, Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. David Cobley, 2010. © David Cobley, reproduced with the artists permission.