Jim Grant enlisted as a Corporal because of his experience as a Senior Cadet. He was 24 years old, single and employed as a bank clerk when he enlisted in Ballarat on the 17th August 1918, in the 8th Infantry Battalion. During the training at Broadmeadows Corporal Jim Grant was promoted Lance Sergeant on 25th September 1914. Sergeant Grant was posted to HQ AIF Depots in UK for duty. On 2nd July 1916 he reported for duty to No.1 Command Depot at Perham Downs in UK. On 8th February 1917 he was posted for duty to the AIF School of Musketry. On 27th July 1918 while sparring with a friend he accidentally slipped and hurt his shoulder. A Court of Enquiry established that the injury was accidentally caused.
After release from hospital and convalescent leave he was ordered to return to Australia on special leave which was arranged for those soldiers who had enlisted 1914 and had been away for four years. He embarked for Australia in HMAT Leicestershire. He was discharged in Melbourne on 23rd March 1919. Tree No. 11, an elm, was planted by Miss A Evans, a 'Lucas Girl' on 4th June 1917.