1914-15 Star (Commr. P.H. Millar. R.N.R); British War and Victory Medals (Commr. P.H. Millar. R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, E.VII.R. with corresponding miniatures which include a Sea Gallantry Medal
| Estimate: | £100 - £200 |
| Hammer price: | £240 |
Paul Holland Millar was born on 15th July 1866 in Hackney, London to Scottish parents James Hill and Marion.
On 15th March 1888, he
qualified as a second mate in the Merchant Navy and on the 10th September 1891,
he gained his 'Master' qualification.
His service papers make mention of him having 12 months leave from the White Star Line and him still being in possession of his uniform. However his name isn't included in the list of active officers from 1864 to 1934. Possibly, he trained but never took an active position.
As 5th Officer on SS Moselle, Holland was onboard the vessel when she ran aground on 29th October, 1891. The ship was commanded by Captain Rowsell; the incident happened 2.5 miles west-south-west from Point Toro. Moselle had a complement of 106 crew and 52 passengers, with cargo mainly belonging to Royal Mail.
Captain Roswell ordered that all crew and passengers evacuate on the lifeboats and attempt to reach the shore. He refused to leave the ship and was washed overboard when it broke in half. With no choice but to swim, he had nearly reached the shore but got into difficulty; Holland and Quartermaster James Orman attempted to reach him but couldn't round some rocks. Captain Roswell unfortunately drowned.
On the 30th May 1892, Millar was awarded a Sea Gallantry Medal in Silver and Orman a Bronze. An inquest was launched into the sinking.
Millar was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve on the 31st October 1895. While serving on HMS Repulse from October 1899 for a 12-month training period as an acting Lieutenant, Millar was once again commended.
Millar was promoted to Lieutenant on 2nd November 1900. He retired as a Commander on the 21st December 1910.
During the Great War, on the 24th May 1915, as a Commander, he was made 'President for Transport - Transport Officer 1st Grade' Millar's duties involved imports and taking charge of HM Trawlers. He retired for the final time on 1st July 1919 and was promoted to Captain in recognition of his services during the war.
In civilian life he became a company director and passed away in 1951 aged 85.
