James enlisted on 22nd October 1906. He was 19 years and 8 months old at the time. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for “J” Battery. Royal Horse Artillery. On 20th January 1915 he gained promotion to the rank of Corporal. He was admitted into hospital on 24th March 1915 suffering from Enteric Fever and was evacuated back to the UK, via No 14 Stationary Hospital on the 26th March. He was appointed, with pay, the rank of acting Serjeant on two occasions - 26th January 1917 and 21st January 1918, both whilst serving with No 8 Coy. He proceeded to Ripon for demobilization on 28th May 1919, and was transferred to Class "Z" Reserves on 25th June 1919.