Lieutenant James Henry Carson

1. Lieutenant, 31st Battalion, Infantry (Army).
2. Lieutenant (Army). 1916-01-31 ?

Military Cross
Description: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuville Vitasse on the night of the 24/25th June 1918. During a raid on the enmy defences, this officer lead his platoon with great dash and gallantry regardless of heavy machine gun fire. His platoon bombed and destroyed many dugouts, captured six prisoners, one machine gun and inflicted heavy casualties. He himself killed three of the enemy. At the final objective, though severley wounded he refused assistance, and crawled back alone thoroughly exhausted. Throughout the operation his courage was oustanding and his splendid example was an inspiration to his men. He showed great skill initiative and determination, and the success of the operation was largely due to his conduct.Total strength of the raiding party 11 Officers and 278 Other Ranks. 

Brother of Margaret Carson, of 20, Connaught Apartments, Medicine Hat, Alberta.

When this man won his Military Cross he was severely wounded. This was just days before his death. The place where he is buried is about 15 Km NW of where he was fighting and it was the location of casualty clearing stations. It is highly likely he was taken there due to his wounds and died there shortly after.

Info from the attestation papers and the war diary. This man is on the CWGC site.

* Newsletter from 'Roots and Shoots', June 2013, Volume 10-No. 5, page 4: Alberta Genealogy Society -Camrose Branch; story mentions this solidier and an older sister Annie. also a brother (Dr.) George Carson - by Joan Conley

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuville Vitasse on the night of the 24/25th June 1918. During a raid on the enmy defences, this officer lead his platoon with great dash and gallantry regardless of heavy machine gun fire. His platoon bombed and destroyed many dugouts, captured six prisoners, one machine gun and inflicted heavy casualties. He himself killed three of the enemy. At the final objective, though severley wounded he refused assistance, and crawled back alone thoroughly exhausted. Throughout the operation his courage was oustanding and his splendid example was an inspiration to his men. He showed great skill initiative and determination, and the success of the operation was largely due to his conduct.

Total strength of the raiding party 11 Officers and 278 Other Ranks.