James Leith (VC)
Major James Leith VC 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, 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:
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.
