Born in Belfast, Ireland and a farmer by trade, James Alexander was only 31 years and single when enlisted from Ballarat, Victoria on the 16th of February 1917 in the14th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private. Was admitted to War Hospital Exeter, England on 8th September 1918 as a result of gas poisoning resulting in slight conjunctivitis, bronchitis and dyspnoea and palpitation on exertion. Wounded in action and admitted to 12th Australian Field Ambulance, 25 August 1918 (gas poisoning); transferred to 44th Stationary Hospital, 31 August 1918; to 6th General Hospital, Rouen, 5 September 1918; to England, 6 September 1918; admitted to War Hospital, Exeter, England, 8 September 1918; transferred to 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, 4 November 1918; discharged from hospital and granted leave, 12 November to 26 NNovember 1918. Marched in to Sutton Veny Command Depot, 29 November 1918. On 9th of February 1919 James Alexander left England per 'Ascanius' for return to Australia and on 3rd of April 1919 disembarked at Melbourne. On 7th of November 1919 was discharged from A.I.F. Melbourne as medically unfit with disability from gas poisoning. James Alexander was awarded: British War Medal and Victory Medal. Tree No:1228