The AIF Project

John Hugh JAMES

Regimental number223
Date of birth--/06/1890
Place of birthSale Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBricklayer
Address'Avon', Maribyrnong Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinWife, Mrs Ethel May James, 'Avon', Maribyrnong Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria
Enlistment date27 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentLance Sergeant
Unit name3rd Pioneer Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/15/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Pioneer Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 3 Pnr Btn
Promotion date: 17 January 1917

Lieutenant


Unit: 3 Pnr Btn
Promotion date: 4 July 1917

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Devotion to duty under most trying circumstances at Messines Road on 7-8 June 1917.
Recommendation date: "Unspecified

Bar to Military Cross


Work near Bray on 22 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 5 September 1918


Recommendation date: "

FateReturned to Australia 27 May 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in reconnoitering and repairing a road and constructing a bridge over a river under heavy shell fire. His gallantry under the most trying circumstances was a fine example, and inspired his men with the greatest confidence.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led his platoon against a strongly defended line, suffering heavy casualties from machine gun fire, but he reached his objective and captured thirty prisoners. He superintended and encouraged the men in the consolidation of the positioon, exposed to constant machine gun and rifle fire. His determination contributed largely to the success of the operation.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

Proceeded to France, 24 November 1916. Wounded, remained on duty, 12 October 1917. Wounded, 14 April 1918; rejoined unit, 23 July 1918. To hospital, 12 November 1918; rejoined unit, 18 November 1918. To hospital, 20 December 1918; returned to duty, 19 January 1919. Attached to Divisional football team, 24 January 1919; rejoined unit, 22 March 1919.

Appointment terminated, 4 September 1919. War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Cross, Bar to Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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