Fonds F2699 - James Edward Tait fonds

James Edward Tait, 1886-1918, was born in Troqueer, Kirkudbrightshire, Scotland and educated in Dumfries at Laurieknowe School and Dumfries Academy. He emigrated to Canada around 1910 and worked as a civil engineer in land surveys. In 1915 he joined the 100th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) and was commissioned a lieutenant. He was later transferred to the 78th Battalion. He saw action at Vimy Ridge, where he was wounded and awarded the Military Cross; at Passchendaele; and at Amiens. In the latter battle he rushed forward under machine gun fire, inspiring his men to capture the enemy position. He was mortally wounded by a shell later in the battle. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. He was survived by his parents and by his widow, the former Jessie Spiers.