Robert enlisted on 2nd March 1914. He was 18 years and 7 months old, and was a Motor Driver by trade. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 41st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. On 1st December 1914 he joined the 4th Field Ambulance, who he served with until 7th October 1915 when he became attached to the 2nd Bn. Grenadier Guards. On 21st October 1915 he suffered a slight shell wound to his head, and evacuated back to hospital in Etaples. After recovering he was sent to Base Details, who sent him to the A.D.M.S., 23rd Division, arriving on 29th December 1915 he was posted to serve with the 71st Field Ambulance. On 9th Aril 1916 he was attached to the 2nd Bn. Scotts Guards. He was appointed the rank of acting Corporal on 14th February 1917. On 3rd May 1918 he was admitted into the 4th Field Ambulance suffering from Indigestion. He was evacuated back to No 19 Casualty Clearing Station, then, via No 34 Ambulance Train, he was evacated to No 3 Stationary Hospital on 9th May. His rank reverted back to his permanent rank of Private, arriving on 3rd November 1918. He convalesced in Rouen, and on 14th May transferred to No 11 Convalescent Depot, but on 3rd January 1919 he was admitted again suffering with Gastritis. This time he was evacuated back to the UK, via the hospital ship "St Andrew", arriving on 31st January 1919. He was then transferred to Section "B" Army Reserve on demobilization on 22nd March 1919. He was the son of Walter and Jane James of 20 Howley Street, Liverpool.