James Hugh Halvey was born in Scarsdale, VIC and was a Railway Employee by trade when he enlisted in the 5th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement (the same unit as his brother, John) on 15 July 1915 at the age of 24. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. He fought through bouts of pneumonia early in 1916 and was fortunate enough to avoid any serious wounds during his tour. However, he was discharged as medically unfit for 'chronic suppurative otitis media'.

He had two brothers who also served: Sapper Thomas HALVEY, Tunnelling Companies Details (Tree No 3724), returned to Australia, 22 January 1919 and Private John Halvey, 5th Pioneer Bn (Tree No 3726), returned to Australia, 22 January 1919.
Tree No 3728

*Chronic suppurative otitis media is defined as a chronic infection of the mucosa lining the middle ear cleft.