James qualified in 1912. He gained a temporary commission in the RAMC with the rank of Lieutenant on 11th September 1914 but served as t.Captain between 11th March 1918 to 1st June 1918. The citation for James's MC reads "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed the utmost coolness and bravery in going out under heavy machine gun fire and assisting to bring in and attend wounded men. Throughout he set a splendid example to all." The citation for his DSO reads "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attending to the wounded under exceptionally trying conditions. Under very heavy shell fire he dug out five men who were buried, and amputated two men's legs on the spot. He showed utter disregard of any personal risk, and his example was splendid." After the war, in 1919, James married Ruth, the youngest daughter of the late A G Hanbury. James was the 2nd son of Lt/Col Barry of Inver, Queenstown.