James Tait

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Wed, 18/05/2016 - 13:37

First Name:

James

Last Name:

Tait

Mother's Name:

Sarah Tait (nee Carval)

Father's Name:

Daniel Tait

Date Enlisted:

Monday, January 17, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

45th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Saturday, September 20, 1924

Details:

James Tait (Service No 5198) was born in Walkersine, Scotland in 1887. On 17th August, 1911 he married Elizabeth McClory. They came to Australia and at the time of enlistment, James was a married 29 year old labourer from Corrimal, who had served 2 years in the Territorials.

James embarked on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria with 16th Reinforcements, 13th Battalion on 31st March, 1916. He arrived in France on 14th June, 1916 and was transferred to 45th Battalion on 20th May, 1916.

James saw service on the Western Front until 11th September, 1916 when he was wounded in action. He was evacuated to hospital for treatment of a severe gun shot wound to his knee. James returned to his unit on 4th May, 1917.

On 5th June, 1917 while fighting at Messines James was wounded a second time, receiving a gun shot wound to his thigh. He was returned to Australia in November, 1917 and discharged medically unfit on 10th April, 1918.

James died in 1924, leaving a widow and 2 children.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, TAIT JAMES