James Dayrolles Crosbie

James Dayrolles Crosbie was the son of Colonel J Crosbie of Ballyheigue Castle, Co Kerry. Major James Leith, who won the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny while serving as a lieutenant in the 14th Light Dragoons, was his father-in-law. Crosbie was commissioned in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 3 June 1885. He was Adjutant 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers from September 1891 until January 1893. This was usually the sign of a serious-minded professional, but Crosbie resigned his commission after the death of his father in 1893 and went to live on the family estate where he was very active in local government and society. When the European War broke out he was under no obligation to return to the colours, but he did so on 19 August, his 49th birthday.

Crosbie was given command of 11th (Service) Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in February 1915. He took them to France in September 1915 as part of 74th Brigade, 25th Division. He remained in command until 4 June 1916, when he was appointed GOC 12th Brigade, 4th Division. He was 50. This was an extraordinary transformation for a man who was a civilian when the war broke out.

Less than a month after he took command of 12th Brigade he led it on the opening day of the Somme campaign, when it shared in the failure of the rest of VIII Corps. 4th Division’s only other involvement on the Somme was in the attack against the Transloy Ridges in October. Crosbie was removed from his command on 17 January 1917 and sent home. His successor was Adrian Carton de Wiart VC, fifteen years his junior.

Crosbie’s surprising military career was not at an end, however. He was CO 16th Queen’s, a home service battalion (March 1917–November 1918), and Commandant of the Archangel Base (November 1918–October 1919). He was five times mentioned in despatches during the war.

Brigadier-General Crosbie was Chairman of Fife County Council from 1938 until 1945.