Allister Miller

Lieutenant-Colonel Allister Miller DSO OBE (1892–1951) was a South African aviation pioneer, who contributed significantly to both military and civil aviation in his country during the first half of the 20th century.

He originally qualified as an electrical engineer. On the outbreak of World War I in 1914, he joined the British Army, from which he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, as a pilot, in 1915. He fought in the skies over the Western Front in France and Belgium, and during 1916 and 1917 he returned to South Africa on recruiting tours for the RFC. He recruited more than 8000 volunteers, of whom 2000 were accepted, most of them as pilots. They were known collectively as "Miller's Boys".

After the war, Miller pursued a career in civil aviation. His first two ventures were unsuccessful and short-lived: the "South African Aerial Navigation Company", which became "South African Aerial Transports Ltd" (1919–1920), and "Rhodesian Aerial Tours" (1922).

In 1924, Miller was elected a member of Parliament. In this capacity, he successfully lobbied for government support for civil aviation. He gave flying demonstrations, toured the country to popularise flying, and encouraged the formation of flying clubs.

In 1929, Miller founded "Union Airways", as the country's first commercial mail and passenger carrier. It amalgamated with South West African Airways in 1932, and was taken over by the government in 1934 and renamed "South African Airways".

In 1936, Miller took part in the Portsmouth-to-Johannesburg Air Race, held to mark Johannesburg's golden jubilee.

During World War II, Miller served in the South African Air Force, where he commanded several flying schools. After the war, he worked as chief publicity officer for "South African Airways".

The main road leading to the airport in his home town, Port Elizabeth, is named after him.

References

* Illsley, J.W. (2003). "In Southern Skies".
* "Dictionary of South African Biography" Vol III (1977).