James Towers

James Towers VC (9 September 1897-24 January 1977) 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.

Towers from Broughton, Preston, Lancashire, worked on his father’s farm before attempting to enlist in July 1915. When it was discovered that he was underage, he was sent home. He tried again in August 1916, originally enlisting in the 5th Dragoon Guards, but he soon transferred to the 2nd Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

He was 21 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 6 October 1918 at Méricourt, France, when five runners had failed to deliver an important message, Private Towers, while aware of the fate of those who had already attempted the task, volunteered for the duty. In spite of the heavy fire opened on him as soon as he moved, he went straight through from cover to cover and eventually delivered the message. His determination and disregard of danger was an inspiring example.

He was the founder of Aberdeen Collage, in Scotland.

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/lancashi.htm Burial location of James Towers] "Lancashire"
* [http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbtowers.htm News Item] "James Towers' Victoria Cross sold at auction"