World War I Service:
The information below is from John James' Defence Force Personnel Record, from Archives NZ.
Biographical Details
According to his History-Sheet, his occupation was Driver, with Campbell & Bourke. His last New Zealand address was 12 Hospital Road, Newtown, Wellington. His religion was Roman Catholic (ie. "R/C") and his birth-date was 23 August, 1890, in Wellington.
His next of kin was listed as his wife, Mrs. Rose Knox, of 12 Hospital Road, Newtown.
His Attestation was dated 18 May 1917, at Wellington. He gives his birth-place as Wellington, on 23 August 1890. His father was listed as William Knox, born in Woolich, England, and his mother as Lilian Knox, born Talamore [sic; should probably be Tullamore, Co Offaly], Ireland. When asked about their length of residence in New Zealand, he says they had been here for thirty-five years.
He gives his occupation is given as Driver, last residing at 12 Hospital Road, Newtown, Wellington, and his employer was given as Campbell & Bourke, Wellington.
He hadn't passed the Fourth Educational Standard. He was married, and had one child. He hadn't been imprisoned, and had no experience in any military force.
His physical description is given as: 5 foot 7 inches, 125lbs [56.7 Kg], chest measuring 32 - 36 inches, Fair complexion, Brown eyes, Brown haired. His religious profession was "R C" - Roman Catholic. His vision and hearing were normal. He was classed as "Fit A".
His 'History Sheet' gives details of his marriage: he married Rose Margaret King (S- Single at the time), at St Josephs, Wellington, with Father Barrett officiating. He had one child, a son named Lionel William, who was born on 21 August 1916, in Wellington.
Service Details
John James was assigned the service number 63622 and assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, and became part of the 32nd Reinforcements. He served 2 months, 2 days in New Zealand, 8 months 16 days overseas, for a total of 1 year, 2 months and 19 days.
- 18 May 1917 - enlisted
- 21 November 1917 - embarked on the Maunganui, at Wellington
- 8 January 1918 - disembarked at Liverpool
- 8 January 1918 - marched into Sling
- 20 March 1918 - left for France from Sling Camp
- 24 March 1918 - marched into Etaples (France)
- 28 March 1918 - joined his Battalion in the field
- 7 April 1918 - Evacuated & admitted to Hospital
- 12 April 1918 - attached to strength ex Hospital at Etaples
- 18 April 1918 - joined Battalion in the field
- 20 May 1918 - to Hospital - sick
- 20 May 1918 - admitted to Hospital
- 12 April 1918 - attached to strength ex Hospital at Etaples
- 26 May 1918 - posted to Duty - in the Field
- 28 May 1918 - rejoined Battalion
- 22 July 1918 - sick, to Hospital
- 22 July 1918 - admitted
- 25 July 1918 - admitted
- 28 July 1918 - [indecipherable] to A.T.33
- 29 July 1918 - admitted [to Hospital] Rouen
- 2 August 1918 - Evac[?] for England at Rouen
- 3 August 1918 - Missing believed Drowned from A.M.A.T. Warilda
- 3 August 1918 - Now declared "Drowned", War Office, London
Awards
He was awarded War Medal 1914-19 and the Victory Medal. These were sent to his 'widow', Mrs R.M. Knox at 12 Hospital Road, Newtown.
In March, 1922, the standard "plaque" and scroll were also sent to his widow.