James Edward Tait

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Gravesite

James Edward Tait VC MC (May 27, 1886, Dumfries, Scotland - August 11, 1918), was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 32 years -old, and a lieutenant in the 78th (Winnipeg Grenadiers) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

[edit] Action

During the period August 8 - 11 August 1918 at Amiens, France, when the advance had been checked by intense machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Tait rallied his company and led them forward with consummate skill under a hail of bullets. He then went forward alone to a machine-gun which was causing many casualties and killed the gunner. This so inspired his men that they rushed the position, capturing 12 machine-guns and 20 prisoners. Later, when the enemy counter-attacked Tait's position under intense artillery bombardment, this officer displayed outstanding courage and although mortally wounded, continued to direct his men until his death.

Also considered Scottish. Grave/memorial at Buried at Fouquescourt British Cemetery, France. 16m S of Albert. Special Memorial. Grave 8. Headstone (shows age 32).

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Glenbow Museum (Calgary, Alberta, Canada).