Born in Manchester, England and a Physical culture instructor by occupation, James Alfred Cloudsdale was 31 years and married when enlisted on the 22nd of June 1916 in the 8th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6488. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 'Nestor' on the 2nd of October 1916. Admitted to Fovant Hospital Bronchitis on the 6th of December 1916; acting Sergeant marched into 2nd Training Battalion Durrington from Fovant on the 14th of December 1916. Appointed acting Lance Corporal in the 8th Battalion on the 1st of January 1917 to the 27th of May 1917; reverts to private in the 28th of May 1917. Embarked returned to Australia per 'A 71' Chronic Bronchitis on the 22nd of July 1917. Disembarked 24th of September 1917 and Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 29th of November 1917. Tree No. 2691