James enlisted on 5th February 1916, he was 22 years and 9 months old, an assistant in a box factory by trade and living at 23 Clarence Road, Bedminster, Bristol at the time. He was sent to Army Reserve and then mobilized on 5th January 1917, when he was posted to "N" Coy at Blackpool. On 6th February 1917, after his training, James was posted to serve with 18 Coy and served in the UK until 15th October 1919. He was discharged on 16th October 1919 due to problems with his eye sight. [Information source: Service Record]