Tom Miller: “I was a fruit grower at Selson Farm, and lived at Denne Court, owned by Mr Eric Austen (Wickhambreaux Patrol). When war broke out I carried on as normal as it was a reserved occupation. I was also on the Kent War Agricultural Executive Committee charged with maximising food production on the farms.” Norman Steed (Manston Patrol) also had this responsibility. The role allowed both men extensive access to maps. They had yellow labels on their cars to show the Police and Army they were allowed to be in restricted areas.
"I was approached by Guy Steed and Lieutenant McNicholl. I was always using gelignite before the war to remove tree stumps. If worse came to the worse I was going to attack the Germans anyway I could. McNicholl said: “We’re looking for your sort of chap.” I signed the Official Secrets Act. On the back was a list of other names, including my wife’s, Daphne, brother in Thanet, and Bill Gardner.
At Stand Down we received a letter from HQ. Later, I received a little lapel badge. I was not disappointed at the lack of recognition. We allowed more troops to be sent to Normandy for D-Day. Our great objective was to help win the war. We were proud to do our bit.”
In 1982 he was interviewed for Peter Williams TV programme Gherkin and Truffle go to War.
Tom married Agnes Daphne Linington in 1941. Her brother was Reginald Lingington of Monkton Patrol.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sutton Patrol | Patrol member | 30 Jul 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Farmer market gardener & fruit grower
Also ID card DJHF 3/2 on the 1939 Register.
As a young man he joined the Navy Cadets and was stationed at Greenhithe on board the training vessel HMS Worcester. On joining the cadets Tom would automatically become a cadet of the Royal Naval Reserve.
TNA ref WO199/3390 & 1
1939 Register
Adrian Westwood
The Invasion that never was by Douglas Welby
Gherkin and Truffle go to War - Peter Williams