Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Lt. James Edward Tait VC, MC.
Canadian Expeditionary Forces 7th Btn. (Manitoba Regiment),
(d.11th Aug 1918)
James Tait was killed on the 11th August 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on a special memorial in the Fouquescourt British Cemetery in France.
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."
