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In memory of
Lieutenant
JAMES EDWARD
TAIT
who died on August 11, 1918
Military Service:
- Age: 31
- Force: Army
- Unit: Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
- Division: 78th Battalion
- Citation: An extract from "The London Gazette", dated September 24, 1918, records the following:
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. The advance having been checked by intense machine-gun fire, Lt. Tait rallied his company and led it forward with consummate skill and dash under a hail of bullets. A concealed machine gun, however, continued to cause many casualties. Taking a rifle and bayonet, Lt. Tait dashed forward alone and killed the enemy gunner. Inspired by his example his men rushed the position, capturing twelve machine guns and twenty prisoners. His valorous action cleared the way for his battalion to advance. Later, when the enemy counter-attacked our positions under intense artillery bombardment, this gallant officer displayed outstanding courage and leadership, and, though mortally wounded by a shell, continued to aid and direct his men until his death.
- Honours and Awards:
Victoria Cross
Military Cross
Additional Information:
- Son of James Bryden Tait and Mary Johnstone Tait, of Maxwelltown, Scotland; husband of Jessie Spiers Aitken Tait, of 2440 El Camino Real, West Arcadia, California, U.S.A.
Commemorated on Page 510 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
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There is a digital photo collection relating to JAMES EDWARD TAIT.
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JAMES EDWARD TAIT is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
[COMPLETE LIST OF CANADIAN VICTORIA CROSS RECIPIENTS]
Burial Information:
FOUQUESCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
Somme,France
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Grave Reference: Special Memorial
Location:
Fouquescourt is a village in the Department of the Somme, 35.5 kilometres east of Amiens and 8 kilometres due north of Roye. The Fouquescourt British Cemetery is a little north of the village on the east side of the road to Maucourt.
Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
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