James Martin Fawcett was born in Ballarat and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 6th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement on 1 July 1915 at the age of 38. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A16 Star Of Victoria on 10 September 1915. In February 1916 he was transferred to the 58th Battalion with whom he moved to France in August. By October, hearing problems led to him being withdrawn to hospital in England. He rejoined his battalion in France and on June 26th 1918 he was seriously wounded in action. He suffered multiple gunshot (more likely shrapnel) wounds to the head and was evacuated to hospital in England. He was no longer fit for active service and was returned to Australia on the Sardinia, disembarking at Melbourne on December 27th 1918. He was discharged shortly after returning home, æmedically unfit – GSW, depressed fracture of the skull'.
Tree No 1608