James was educated at Ipswich and at Trinity College, Dublin, where he gained a senior moderatorship in science, with gold medal. He took the M.B., B.Ch, and B.A.O. at Trinity College in 1914. He received a commission as temporary lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. on 15th August 1914, gaining promotion to temporary Captain in April 1915. *The Rev. C E Doudney, Chaplain to forces wrote a letter regarding James's last moments. It reads ".... I was with your son up to a few minuets of his being hit. He had been visiting my colleague professionally, and had stayed to tea with us. I then rode him back on the carrier of my motor bicycle. Just after that some shrapnel came over, and he was called to tend a wounded man. He went immediately, and was hit himself. He died in about an hour, never having regained consciousness...... I can only add my testimony to the esteem in which your son was held out here. His gentle and kindly nature had endeared him to us all. Personally, I shall never forget two occasions when I was with him. one at the White Chateau under heavy fire, and one after the late battle of Hooge, at the advanced field ambulance. On both occasions I was much struck with this manner with the wounded, his tenderness and cheery words, and also by his cool courage. He went about as though in a home hospital, with no noise of battle near. Such a character cannot be lost, and I cannot but believe he had gone to better work in a fuller life." Professor Dixon of Trinity College, in conveying to Mr Armstrong the heartfelt sympathy of the Medical School, adds:- "I have always looked forward to a splendid future of your boy, and felt that his ability and character would secure for him a fine position." [*From B.N.L. - courtesy of Nigel Henderson]. James was the only son of Elizabeth and James M Armstrong J.P. of Elmstead House, Dundalk, Ireland.