James Knowles was born in Grenville, VIC and was a Blacksmith by trade when he enlisted from Ballarat with the 8th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement on 3 November 1915 at the age of 37. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916.

In April he was transferred to the 58th Battalion and in June he moved to France. On September 2nd 1918 he was wounded, receiving severe shrapnel wounds to his right eye, arms and leg. He was evacuated to hospital at Reading in England, where he was recovering when the Armistice was signed. He returned home on the Shropshire, reaching Melbourne on May 16th 1919.

Tree No. 1946