'On the night of the 21st/22nd August, 1918, between the west of LA NEUVILLE and ETINEHEM, No. A2089 Private JAMES was on duty continuously for nearly 24 hours, maintaining telephonic communication between Company and Battalion Headquarters. During practically the whole period, the enemy shelled this area most consistently, using many gas shells. This shelling caused over thirty breaks in the line, and Private JAMES, showing an utter disregard for danger, managed to keep up communication during the whole of the time. His example of courage and unhesitating cheerfulness under many trying circumstances, was a lesson to all, and worthy of the highest praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Regimental number	2089
Place of birth	Camberwell Victoria
Religion	Congregational
Occupation	Carpenter
Address	11 Moorhouse Street, East Camberwell, Victoria
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	18
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs Mary James, 11 Moorhouse Street, East Camberwell, Victoria
Enlistment date	28 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll	30 August 1916
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	37th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/54/2
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 25 September 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	3rd Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Military Medal Work near La Neuville on 21-22 August 1918. Recommendation date: 28 August 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 12 June 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'On the night of the 21st/22nd August, 1918, between the west of LA NEUVILLE and ETINEHEM, No. A2089 Private JAMES was on duty continuously for nearly 24 hours, maintaining telephonic communication between Company and Battalion Headquarters. During practically the whole period, the enemy shelled this area most consistently, using many gas shells. This shelling caused over thirty breaks in the line, and Private JAMES, showing an utter disregard for danger, managed to keep up communication during the whole of the time. His example of courage and unhesitating cheerfulness under many trying circumstances, was a lesson to all, and worthy of the highest praise.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75 Date: 17 June 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

William JAMES