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James Leith (VC)

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James Leith
Born(1826-05-26)26 May 1826
Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire
Died13 May 1869(1869-05-13) (aged 42)
Paddington, London
Buried
Towie Churchyard
Service / branchBritish Army
RankMajor
Unit
Battles / wars
AwardsVictoria Cross
Other workCambridge University Cricketer

Major James Leith VC (26 May 1826 – 13 May 1869) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Life

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James Leith was the son of General Alexander Leith of Freefield and Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire and educated at Blackheath Proprietary School and Trinity College, Cambridge.[1] He played cricket for Cambridge University from 1846 to 1849.[2]

Leith was 31 years old, and a lieutenant in the 14th Light Dragoons (later 14th Hussars (The King's)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when, on 1 April 1858 at Betwa, India, the following deed led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross:

For conspicuous bravery at Betwah, on the 1st of April, 1858, in having, charged alone, and rescued Captain Need, of the same Regiment, when surrounded by a large number of rebel Infantry. Despatch from Major-General Sir Hugh Henry Rose, G.C.B., dated 28th April, 1858.[3]

The medal is currently displayed at the 14th/20th King's Hussars gallery of the Museum of Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire.

He was appointed to the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms in 1868.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Leith, James (LT843J)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  2. ^ Cricinfo.com
  3. ^ "No. 22212". The London Gazette. 24 December 1858. p. 5517.
  4. ^ London Gazette, 1868
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