Buried at Towie Churchyard Service/branch British Army Allegiance United Kingdom Rank Major | Name James Leith Awards Victoria Cross Role Armed force officer | |
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Born 26 May 1826
Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire ( 1826-05-26 ) Battles/wars Anglo-Persian War
Indian Mutiny Other work Cambridge University Cricketer Died May 13, 1869, Paddington, London, United Kingdom Battles and wars Anglo-Persian War, Indian Rebellion of 1857 Unit 14th King's Hussars, Royal Scots Greys | ||
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
James Leith was the son of General Alexander Leith of Freefield and Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire and educated at Blackheath Proprietary School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He played cricket for Cambridge University from 1846 to 1849.
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.
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.