Anthony Miers

Anthony Miers was a distinguished Royal Navy officer renowned for his command of submarines during the Second World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for a daring and controversial raid in the Mediterranean Sea in 1942 while in command of HMS ''Torbay''. His naval career spanned over three decades, culminating in the rank of Captain.

Early life and education

Born in 1906, he was the son of a British Army officer and was educated at Clifton College in Bristol. He entered the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1924, training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. His early education and naval training instilled a strong sense of discipline and seamanship that would define his future commands.

Naval career

He served in various surface ships before volunteering for the Submarine Service in the early 1930s. He commanded the submarine HMS ''L23'' and later served as a staff officer at the Admiralty in London. His expertise in underwater warfare was recognized with appointments to key training and development roles within the Royal Navy's submarine branch during the pre-war years.

World War II service

His wartime service was marked by aggressive command, primarily in the challenging waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In command of HMS ''Torbay'', he conducted numerous patrols, attacking Axis shipping and supporting Allied operations. His Victoria Cross action occurred in April 1942 during a raid on the enemy-held harbour at Corfu, where he successfully torpedoed two supply ships at close range under heavy fire. This action, while highly successful, was later scrutinized for its severity. He also commanded the submarine HMS ''Tantalus'' in the Pacific War, operating against Japanese forces.

Awards and honours

He was decorated for gallantry on multiple occasions. He was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1942, the highest award for valour in the British Armed Forces. He had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for earlier submarine operations. Later in the war, he was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for his service in the Far East. His medals are held by the Imperial War Museum in London.

Later life and legacy

After the war, he remained in the Royal Navy, commanding the submarine depot ship HMS ''Adamant'' and serving as Captain of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. He retired from active service in 1959. In retirement, he lived in Scotland and was active in veterans' affairs. His Victoria Cross citation remains a subject of historical discussion regarding the rules of engagement in commando-style operations. He is commemorated on a memorial at Clifton College and his story is featured in histories of the Submarine Service.

Category:Royal Navy personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Victoria Cross Category:British submariners