Lieutenant JAMES EDWARD TAIT
Canadian Infantry
78th Bn.
Died 11 August 1918
Age 31 years old
Photographer: Johan Pauwels
- Country of Service Canadian
- Awards Victoria Cross, Military Cross
- Additional Info 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.
- Personal Inscription BEATAE MEMORIAE
- Additional Citation note
An extract from "The London Gazette", dated 24th Sept., 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."
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