James Ellis (SN 1277) born in Ballarat, was an 18 year old labourer when he enlisted in Ballarat on March 21st 1916. On May 27th he embarked aboard the Ascanius and sailed to England. In November he reached France to serve with the 39th Infantry Battalion. On October 4th 1917 he was slightly wounded but only out of the line for two days. In November 1917 he was highly commended by the Divisional Commander for his courage in bringing back wounded comrades. On April 22nd 1918, near Amiens, he suffered a severe gunshot wound to his wrist and was evacuated to England. He was assessed as unfit for further active service and was returned to Australia where he disembarked on November 17th 1918 and was discharged on December 3rd ‘medically unfit’.