James Leith (VC)

James Leith (10 July 1826 – 26 February 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.

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Leith was a Sergeant in the 41st Regiment of Foot (later the Welsh Regiment) during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 November 1854 at the Battle of Inkerman, Crimea, Sergeant Leith, together with Lieutenant Robert Hope and Private John McDermond, went to the assistance of an officer of the 49th Regiment (later the Royal Berkshire Regiment) who was surrounded by Russians. They drove the Russians away and saved the officer's life. Leith received his Victoria Cross from Queen Victoria at Hyde Park, London, on 26 June 1857.

He later transferred to the Cape Mounted Riflemen and reached the rank of Sergeant Major. He died at Fort Murray, South Africa, in 1869. His Victoria Cross is held by the South Wales Borderers and Monmouthshire Regiment Museum, Brecon, Powys, Wales.