James Robertson was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Tanner living at Lanin Street, Ballarat when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion, A Company on 25 August 1914 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914. On 26 July 1916, whilst in France, he was wounded in action and hospitalised for a period of one month before returning to his unit. After re-joining his unit he was promoted to Lance Corporal and later to Sergeant. He was reported as killed in action on 13 October 1917 but this error was corrected. In August 1918 he suffered a gunshot wound to the right forearm and was again hospitalised.

The gunshot wound to his right arm proved problematic and he was returned to Australia in November 1918 and later discharged on 23 December 1919.
Tree No. 210