Leading Aircraftman Frederick James Miley (1056802) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. Born on 29th August 1913, he was the second son of grocer and merchant Robert Miley and Margaret Miley (née Mansfield) of Duke Street, Athy, Co. Kildare.
The family moved to 133 Main Street, Bangor, Co. Down and Frederick attended the Main Street Public Elementary School. Both Frederick and his younger brother William Miley attended Bangor Grammar School. According to their headmaster, Maurice Wilkins, both boys won scholarships together in 1926. William Miley also served in the Royal Air Force. Frederick and William had two other brothers, Edward Miley and Norman Miley.
In a biography written after Fred’s death, Maurice Wilkins stated:
They were not boys one could forget — quiet, modest and industrious, of attractive bearing and manners, quick intelligence and brilliant promise. They excelled in all subjects — boys whom it was a real pleasure to have in a class, for the sake of the example they set of good conduct and splendid proficiency.
After school, Miley worked at the Prospect Branch of the Mayflower Dairy for his father. Before enlisting in the Royal Air Force, he was a junior representative in Belfast of Messrs RS Hudson Ltd. He was an active member of Bangor Parish Church, teaching at the Sunday School and singing in the choir. He was also a popular sportsman in the Bangor area.
Frederick died at home at “Risdale”, 98 Donaghadee Road, Bangor, Co. Down on 26th January 1942 aged 28 years old. He had contracted an illness while serving in the Middle East 3 weeks earlier.
Frederick James Miley’s grave is in Section 1C, Grave 86 of Bangor New Cemetery, Bangor, Co. Down. A funeral took place at 1430hrs on Wednesday 28th January 1942. Reverend WH Good and Reverend HF Whitehouse conducted the service. His name is on the Bangor Parish War Memorial, St. Comgall’s Church, Bangor, Co. Down.