James gained the rank of temporary Captain on 22nd June 1915 and entered the war in France on the 17th August the same year. He was awarded the Military Cross "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded an aid post close to a piece of heavily shelled roadway. He continually went out into the open road and attended wounded men under heavy fire, with a total disregard for his own personal safety." James became temporary acting Major from 28th March 1918. [Information sources: MID, London Gazette, 1918 Army List and James's family (Portrait photograph also courtesy of James's family)]