Born in Ballart, Victoria and a Motor mechanic by occupation, James Guy Cocking was 20 years and single enlisted on the 4th of November 1915 in the Australian Flying Corps, No 1 Squadron, B Flight, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 215. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A67 'Orsova' on the 16th of March 1916. Admitted to 31st General Hospital Egypt on the 22nd of October 1916 – Infection mid ear; admitted to Montazah Hospital Egypt Pleurisy Severe on teh15th of December 1916. Admitted 14th Australian General Hospital Debility on the 15th of June 1917. To be Air Mechanic 2nd Class on the 13th of December 1918. Embarked per H.T. 'Kantara' for return to Australia on the 15th of June 1919. Returned to Australia on the 15th of June 1919. Disembarked on the 16th of July 1919. Discharged from the 5th Military District on the 12th of October 1919. Tree No. 3854