Born in Daylesford, Victoria and a Braman by trade, James Clarence Bryan was 24 years and single when enlisted on the 17th of June 1916 in the Machine Gun Company 8, Reinforcement 4, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 339. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Orontes on the 16th of August 1916. On the 31st of August 1916 admitted to Hospital; on the 6th of March 1916 proceeded overseas France ex M.G. Depot via Folkestone. On the 17th of April 1917 admitted sick to Hospital from Scabies, Camiers and discharged to duty from Hospital on the 21st of April 1917. On the 29th of September 1917 admitted shot wound multiple (post traumatic growth) abdomen, Field; on the 2nd of October 1917 admitted to the 10th General Hospital shot wound chest (post traumatic growth), Rouen. On the 5th of October 1917 wounded in action, France. On the 9th of November 1917 transferred to England from Grantully Castle gunshot wound chest; on the 10th of November 1917 admitted to Mile and Military Hospital gunshot wound left back and right buttock, England. On the 7th of December 1917 transferred to 1st Auxiliary Hospital, Marefield and was listed as returned to Australia on the 15th of April 1918. Disembarked at Melbourne on the 12th of June 1918 and discharged from the A.I.F. at Melbourne – Medically Unfit – disability – gunshot wound chest, penetrating and buttock. Tree No. 2447