James Alexander Smith Explained

James Alexander Smith
Birth Date:5 January 1881
Death Date:21 May 1968 (aged 87)
Birth Place:Workington, Cumberland, England
Death Place:Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England
Allegiance: United Kingdom
Serviceyears:1894–1900
1906–1910
1914–1919
Servicenumber:6423
Rank:Private
Unit:Border Regiment
Battles:World War I
Awards:Victoria Cross

Private James Alexander Smith VC (5 January 1881 – 21 May 1968) was born in Workington, Cumberland and was an English 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. His birth name was James Alexander Glenn.

He was 33 years old, and a private in the 3rd Battalion, Border Regiment, British Army, attached to the 2nd Battalion, during the First World War. Smith and Abraham Acton from Whitehaven, were both awarded their Victoria Cross (VC) for their actions on 21 December 1914 at Rouges Bancs, France.

His VC is displayed at the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and Border Regiment Museum, Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, England. Smith died on 21 May 1968 in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, aged 87.

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