James enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) with Service No 333431 in Feb 1939, then enlisted in the Permanent Australian Army with Service No VP6931 on 13 Mar 1940 and posted to 2nd Heavy Brigade, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). He was sent to Darwin Mobile Force on 8 Jun 1940 and transferred to 18th Field Battery, RAA on 22 Sept 1940. He transferred to Provost Corps on 23 Apr 1941 and promoted Acting Corporal whilst servicing in Provost Corps, same date. He reverted to Gunner (Private) and returned to 18th Field Battery, RAA on 13 Sept 1941. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 6 Jul 1942 and after numerous Artillery postings, was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 1 Mar 1943.
He joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 Trooper and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 as a Trooper.
He returned to Australia aboard "SALAMANA" on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 17 Apr 1946.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp
Edited by Peter Epps
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