Workington in Cumberland, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
James Alexander Smith
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2025
1. James Alexander Smith Marker
James Alexander Glenn was born in Workington on 5th January 1881. It is believed he changed his surname to his mother's maiden name of 'Smith' to join the 3rd Militia Battalion when he was only 13 years old.
In 1914 he enlisted in the 3rd Battalion, Border Regiment to serve in the First World War.
Under heavy artillery fire on the battlefield of Rouges Bancs in Northern France, James bravely risked his life to save wounded comrades. You can see from this newspaper article that James and his colleague Abraham Acton were awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915 for their outstanding bravery-the highest military medal awarded for valour.
Shortly after his astonishing act of bravery, James was wounded in further military action and returned home. Unaware that he had been spotted on the train at Wigton, James was surprised by the tremendous reception awaiting his arrival in Workington.
'amid congratulatory greetings he was carried like the hero that he has proved himself, to his father's house in Southey Street.' -- Extract from Times & Star
Workington's Mayor Alderman P. Walls presented the local hero with a medal
this page online
Undeterred by his experiences in the first World War, James served again during the second World War this time with the Home Guard.
James died in May 1968, aged 88. His Victoria Cross, along with his other medals, are displayed at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life at Carlisle Castle.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 54° 38.701′ N, 3° 33.484′ W. Marker is in Workington, England, in Cumberland. It is on Falcon Street. The marker and VC memorial are out in front of the Workington Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Falcon Street, Workington, England CA14, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic
From The Marker
2. James Alexander Smith
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Workington Station (here, next to this marker); The Rails Which Circled the World (a few steps from this marker); Remembering World War II (within shouting distance of this marker); The Helena Thompson Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); A History of Workington Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Remembering World War I (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Rails Which Circled the World (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipping Throughout the Years (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Workington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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