James enlisted into the R.A.M.C. on the 26th February 1912. He entered the war in France on the 14th October 1914. James was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal when attached to the 7th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 29th December 1915, near Ypres. During a heavy bombardment by high explosive and gas shells, he left his dug-out and passed through a dense cloud of gas over 200 yeards to a farm in which another battery was billeted. Here he rendered first aid to several wounded men. The farm was being heavily shelled at the time, but though wounded himself, he continued his work among the other wounded." After the war he was forced to leave the army, having suffered impairment since entry into the service. [Photograph courtesy of John Duncan]