James Emerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Emerson
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| Born | 3 August 1895 Collon, County Louth, Ireland |
| Died | 6 December 1917 (aged 22) Hindenburg Line, near La Vacquerie, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | – 1917 † |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
James Samuel Emerson was a very brave soldier from Ireland. He was given the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth forces. He earned this special award for his amazing actions during World War I in 1917, where he sadly died.
Who Was James Samuel Emerson?
James Samuel Emerson was born on August 3, 1895. His hometown was Collon, a village in County Louth, Ireland. His parents were John and Ellen Emerson.
When he grew up, James joined the British Army. He became a temporary second lieutenant, which is a junior officer. He served with the 9th Battalion of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
His Heroic Actions
James Emerson showed incredible bravery during World War I. On December 6, 1917, when he was 22 years old, his unit was fighting on the Hindenburg Line in France. This was a very strong line of defenses built by the enemy.
Here's what happened:
- He led his company in an attack and cleared about 400 yards of enemy trench.
- Even though he was wounded, he kept fighting.
- When the enemy attacked with many more soldiers, James and eight of his men jumped out of the trench. They fought the enemy in the open, killing many and capturing six prisoners.
- For three hours after this, all the other officers in his company were injured. James stayed with his men, even though he was hurt and tired. He kept fighting off enemy attacks.
- Later, when the enemy attacked again with many soldiers, James led his men to push them back. During this fight, he was badly wounded and died.
His amazing courage, even when he was exhausted and losing blood, inspired his men. They kept fighting, even when they were almost surrounded, until more soldiers arrived to help.
Remembering a Hero
James Samuel Emerson's name is remembered in several places. You can find his name on the war memorial at the Church of Ireland parish church in Collon, his hometown. His name is also on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing in France, which honors soldiers who died in that area and have no known grave.
