James Towers
Private, 2nd. Battalion. Cameronians
- Register No.
- 1221 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Private all Privates →
- Unit
- 2nd. Battalion. Cameronians (register: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)) all Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) VCs →
- Date of action
- 6 October 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 6th January 1919 on this day → all of 1919 →
- Born
- 9th September 1897 at Church House Farm, Broughton, Preston,
- Died
- 24th January 1977 at Preston, Lancashire
- Memorial / grave
- Cremated at Preston Crematorium, Lancashire
- Medal held by
- unknown
Digest of citation
After five futile, previous attempts, by runners, to deliver an important message at Méricourt, France, on 6th October 1918, Private Towers, being well aware of the fate of the previous runners, volunteered to carry out the task. As soon as he moved from his position, he was exposed to extremely heavy fire. In spite of this, he made his way stealthily from cover to cover, finally delivering the message successfully. He set an inspired example with his determination and his utter disregard for danger
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
TOWERS, James. (reg No. 1221).
Private. 2nd. Battalion. Cameronians. * London Gazetted on 6th January 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 9th September 1897 at Church House Farm, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire.
Died on 24th January 1977 at Preston, Lancashire. Cremated at Preston Crematorium, Lancashire.
Digest of Citation reads: After five futile, previous attempts, by runners, to deliver an important message at Méricourt, France, on 6th October 1918, Private Towers, being well aware of the fate of the previous runners, volunteered to carry out the task. As soon as he moved from his position, he was exposed to extremely heavy fire. In spite of this, he made his way stealthily from cover to cover, finally delivering the message successfully. He set an inspired example with his determination and his utter disregard for danger.
* Scottish Rifles.
* Scottish Rifles.
Lancashire.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: Cremated at Preston Crematorium, Lancashire
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour James Towers by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.