(L to R) 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Allied Victory Medal

We don't know anything about James' early life.

When the First World War broke out in August 1914 James felt a strong enough connection to Manchester to want to join the 3rd City Battalion that was being formed by its workers. He enlisted in September 1914 and was given the service number 10071. This unit became the 18th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment and James was assigned to VII Platoon in B Company.

James and the 18th Battalion arrived in France on the 8th November 1915.

We don't have any details about James' service in France. At some point he was given the new service number 33262, but we don't know why.

James survived the war, but his life afterwards remains a mystery.