James Edward Tait was born on May 27, 1888, to parents James Bryden and Mary Johnstone Tait in Maxwelltown, Dumfries, Scotland.

James later emigrated to Canada where he settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he worked as a Civil Engineer. He was married to Jessie Spiers Aitken of California, USA.

Before his First World War service, James had served in several units in Canada, including five years in the Imperial Yeomanry, four years in the Regimental Scouts and one year in an unnamed squadron.

James enlisted in the 100th Infantry Battalion in November and was commissioned as an officer. He was transferred to the 78th Battalion in the winter of 1917. 

James must have been a courageous, conscientious officer. He was awarded the Military Cross for his conduct on the first day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on 8 April 1917, indicating his qualities as a Lieutenant.

James was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Empire’s highest medal for military valour, for his actions on 11 August 1918.

The Allies had launched the Hundred Days Offensive three days earlier, a series of attacks culminating in the defeat of the Imperial German Army in November 1918.

On 8 August, at the Battle of Amiens, Commonwealth troops had made huge gains, smashing a huge gap in the German lines.

James’ unit pushed forward and soon the 78th Battalion had run into reorganised Germans holding restrengthened positions, brisling with machine gun posts.

Lieutenant Tait continued to urge his men on, leading from the front, despite the hail of bullets facing the oncoming Canadians.

Overcoming the machine guns one-by-one, a single enemy gun was still holding up the 78th. 

James went forward alone and took out the gun. His Victoria Cross medal citation gives the following details:

“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."

Sadly, James would not survive the day. The courageous Lieutenant was hit by shellfire while leading another attack later on 11 April.

Nevertheless, Lieutenant Tait continued to cheer his men onward and give orders before succumbing to his wounds.

Lieutenant James Edward Tait VC MC is buried at Fouquescourt British Cemetery, the Somme, France. 

“ 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.”