| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | AWM2016.96.3 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | Extent: 1 cm; Wallet/s: 1 |
| Object type | Letter, Certificate, Document |
| Maker |
James, Albert Victor |
| Place made | Australia, Egypt, France |
| Date made | 1915-1918 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
James, Albert Victor (Lieutenant, b.1892 - d.?)
Description
Collection relating to the First World War service of 4520 Lieutenant Albert Victor James, 46th Infantry Battalion, 1915-1918.
Collection consists of:
Item 1: One brown pay book dating from enlistment on 3 September 1915 to 26 February 1917. Included is ‘A personal note to the soldiers of the 4th Australian Division’ apparently a quote from Major General Sir H V Cox, given on 1 June 1916 in Egypt. This discusses the purpose of Australian soldiers fighting in France and the importance of their role. The inside back cover has general notes on recognising the insignia of Australian officers.
Item 2: One empty envelope addressed to ‘Sgt A.V. James’ postmarked 1916, also stamped 'ABPO Unable to Trace Return to Sender'.
Item 3: One field service postcard addressed to Lt James’ mother, dated 26 April 1918 indicating that he is 'quite well'.
Item 4: Letter dated 13 March 1917. Very general in nature, asking various family members how they were. The letter also mentions his receipt of the Military Medal ribbon from Brigadier General Birdwood. Lieutenant James was awarded the Military Medal for action at Pozieres in August 1916.
Item 5: Letter dated 17 April 1917. Very general in nature and written while Private James is at a camp ready for Lewis gun training. The letter mentions all the different nationalities of soldiers in the camp and speaks of strong morale regarding the progress of the war. There is also mention of a recent concert given by the Duchess of Westminster at the camp.
Item 6: Letter dated 10 December 1916. Letter discusses time at sea, wanting to know the results of the Stawell Gift and Private James' temporary promotion to A/Coy Sgt Major.
Item 7: Letter dated 31 March 1917 discussing a German booby trap set up in a captured village involving a gold watch attached to a string, attached to a mine. Letter also discusses Germans burning down towns that they have abandoned and finishes with James discussing his recommendation for a commission.
Item 8: Letter dated 8 December 1917 discussing the James' leave in London and Scotland.
Item 9: Letter dated 11 November 1918 from Base Records Office, Melbourne, advising that Lieutenant James’ condition is improving (from a gunshot wound to the head).
Item 10: Letter dated 29 November 1918 from the Australian Red Cross Society stating that Lt James obtained a gunshot wound to the head and is currently in hospital, but is able to move and will be returned to Australia soon. After recovery in France and England, Lt James returned to Australia in January 1919.
Item 11: Commissioning certificate for James' promotion to Second Lieutenant, dated 3 May 1918.