James enlisted on 27th October 1915. He was 21 years and 9 months old; was an apprentice joiner by trade; and was living at 404 Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir at the time. He joined in Sheffield on 2nd November and was posted to do his training with "R" Coy. On 26th January 1916 he embarked at Southampton, then disembarking at Rouen the next day, entered the war in France on 27th January 1916. On 3rd February 1916 he was posted to serve with the 2nd Field Ambulance, joining them in the field. About 11.30 a.m. on 15th July 1916 the Germans began to shell the Fricourt area with lachrymatory shells. This continued, however, between 3.30. p.m. and 4 p.m. both lachrymatory shells & others, containing gas of a Bromine nature began in rapid succession. At early stage in shelling orders were given to all ranks to wear smoke helmets, with the result that there were no casualties of any kind from gas. However, one gas shells fell in a dugout occupied by James & Pte Dobbie (both of A Section) & fragments of shell casing wounded them in the feet & legs severely. James died of his wounds in No 36 Casualty Clearing Station. He was the son of John Ferguson of 96 Clarence Street, Clydebank.