James Huffam

He rescued a wounded man, then led the capture of prisoners.

James Palmer Huffam was born in Dunblane in 1897 and educated at Perth Academy and Berwick-upon-Tweed Grammar School. He enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers in February 1915 and served in France as a private, corporal and sergeant before officer training. In January 1918 he was commissioned into the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

On 31 August 1918, near St Servin's Farm, east of Arras, Huffam and three men rushed an enemy machine-gun post and put it out of action. When the position came under a heavy counterattack, he withdrew while carrying a wounded comrade. That night he returned to the attack with only two men, capturing eight prisoners from another machine-gun position and allowing the advance to continue. These exploits formed part of several days of gallantry recognized by the Victoria Cross, which King George V presented in April 1919.

Huffam made the Army his career. His overseas service included India, aviation duties in Iraq and an attachment to the Sierra Leone Battalion of the Royal West African Frontier Force. He married Constance Huffam in Malta in 1935 and retired as a major in 1938. Recalled during the Second World War, he served with the British Expeditionary Force and in military police appointments, receiving a mention in despatches. After retiring again in 1945, he worked as a recruiting officer until 1955. He died at Edgware General Hospital on 16 February 1968 and was cremated at Golders Green.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 31st Aug., 1918. With three men he rushed an enemy machine-gun post and put it out of action. His post was then heavily attacked and he withdrew fighting, carrying back a wounded comrade. Again on the night of 31st Aug., 1918, at St. Servin’s Farm, accompanied by two men only, he rushed an enemy machine gun, capturing eight prisoners and enabling the advance to continue. Throughout the whole of the fighting from Aug. 29th to Sept. 1st, 1918, he showed the utmost gallantry.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 December 1918. 26 December 1918, Numb. 31082, p. 15118