James Harrison was born in Smythesdale and an Engineer by trade when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement on 2 August 1915. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 1 April 1916. He was assigned headquarter duties in England and also spent time at the Grenade School at Durrington. In early October 1917 he was transferred to the 8th Battalion in France. On Christmas Day 1917 illness forced him to hospital. He had another stint in hospital in February, then, in March 1918 he was transferred to the General Hospital at Edmonton suffering from suspected nephritis. He was then assessed as unfit for further active service and was returned to Australia on the Port Darwin, reaching Melbourne on August 17th 1918.
Tree No. 1851