James Veal was born in Colorado, USA, lived at 27 Eureka Street, Ballarat East, Victoria and was working as a stud groom when he enlisted with the Field Artillery Brigade 2, Reinforcement 13 on 30 July 1915 at the age of 38. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 5 January 1916. Since the beginning of 1916, he had gradually lost his strength and found it difficult to carry on, resulting in his evacuation to hospital. According to a medical history report he was diagnosed with dyspnoea and a 'weak heart, sounds impure' on 12 February 1918. His condition showed improvement, but he was given a medical discharge, returning home to Australia 12 March 1918.
Tree No. 1835