James Alexander GRAHAM

Regimental number12/200
Date of birth2 April 1890
Place of birthWaitora
ReligionPresbyterian
Marital statusSingle
Height5' 10"
Weight168 lbs
Next of kinFather, A Graham, Onaero, Taranaki
Previous military serviceServed in the 15th (North Auckland) Regiment; still serving at time of NZEF enlistment.
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Auckland Infantry Battalion, Headquarters
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
Final rankSergeant
Final unit1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'For devotion to duty. This NCO showed conspicuous devotion to duty and cool courage under fire and in difficult circumstances whilst in charge of pack horses taking rations etc, forward during the October fighting. By his complete unselfishness and cheerfulness he inspired his men and did all that was asked of him. He has a splendid record of service with this Battalion and has at all times showed willingness and determination.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 June 1918

Discharge date23 January 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 12 April 1915; disembarked Gallipoli, 5 May 1915.

Wounded in action, 8 May 1915 (gun shot wound, right shoulder); transferred by HS 'Guildford Castle' to Port Said Hospital, 18 May 1915; transferred to A&NZ Convalescent Hospital, Helouan, 27 July 1915; discharged as fit for active service, 9 August 1915.

Embarked Alexandria to rejoin unit at Gallipoli, 22 August 1915; rejoined unit, 28 August 1915.

Disembarked Alexandria from Gallipoli, 29 December 1915 (general Gallipoli evacuation).

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, France, 6 April 1916.

Appointed Temporary Corporal, in the field, 6 January 1917; Corporal, 1 April 1917.

On leave to United Kingdom, 31 August 1917; rejoined unit from leave, 13 September 1917.

Detached to School of Instruction, 30 September 1917; rejoined unit, in the field, 11 October 1917.

Detached to Brigade School, 5 January 1918; rejoined unit, 25 February 1918.

Awarded Meritorious Service Medal.

On leave to Paris, 22 June 1918; promoted Sergeant, 28 July 1918. Detached to Divisional Pack Transport Company, 4 august 1918; rejoined 1st Bn, Auckland Infantry Regiment, in the field, 9 August 1918.

Commenced return to New Zealand from Plymouth on board HT 'Ayrshire', 6 November 1918; discharged, 23 January 1919.

Total war service: 4 years 162 days (of which 4 years 70 days were abroad).

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: HQ Auckland Inf Batln/Main Body
Date of death12 October 1965 Tauranga
Age at death75
SourcesArchives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805

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