World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Captain in the 8th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment. On March 21, 1918, Captain James was involved in an assault near Velu Wood, Northern France. During the fighting, he was wounded but he refused to be evacuated from his company and he helped repulse three enemy attacks. Although the Germans broke through, his company made a stand which gained time for the withdrawal of other companies. Wanting to buy more time for the rest of the brigade to escape, he led a counter attack and was again wounded. To cover his own company's retreat, he took control of a machine gun, keeping the enemy at bay until he was wounded a third time and captured. He spent the rest of the war in a German POW camp. For courage in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in February, 1919 and later served in World War II, achieving the rank of Brigadier General.
World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Captain in the 8th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment. On March 21, 1918, Captain James was involved in an assault near Velu Wood, Northern France. During the fighting, he was wounded but he refused to be evacuated from his company and he helped repulse three enemy attacks. Although the Germans broke through, his company made a stand which gained time for the withdrawal of other companies. Wanting to buy more time for the rest of the brigade to escape, he led a counter attack and was again wounded. To cover his own company's retreat, he took control of a machine gun, keeping the enemy at bay until he was wounded a third time and captured. He spent the rest of the war in a German POW camp. For courage in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in February, 1919 and later served in World War II, achieving the rank of Brigadier General.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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