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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 165

Nine: Colonel J. R. James, 3rd Battalion, 10th Baluchis, Indian Army

British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. J. R. James.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Lieut. J. R. James.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. Persia (Capt. J. R. James.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (Capt. J. R. James. 3-10 Baluch R.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (Maj. J. R. James, 3-10 Baluch R.); War and India Service Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine, housed in fitted leather case (9)

John Russell James was born at Haslingden, Lancashire on 10 September 1896, the son of Thomas and Helena James. Son of a Methodist Minister the young James could afford a good educated at Kingswood School, Bath.

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, he was advanced Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment and thence joined the 127th Baluch Light Infantry. He served in France from June 1916 before transferring to India, where he was advanced Captain. This fact explains why his British War & Victory Medals are named to different ranks, as his British War Medal was issued by the Indian Government.

Having advanced to Major in the 10th Baluchis, he took was Assistant Adjutant-General (Directorate of Co-Ordination) from April 1942-44, Deputy Director of Manpower Planning from April 1944-September 1945 and at General Headquarters India from September 1945 up until Partition.

James lived for a long time after his service ended, settling in Cheltenham he was living at 20 Queens Court, Queens Road, Cheltenham on 31 May 1984. His will was great enough to make the Newspaper with the Western Daily Press noting he had left £73,650, doubtless to his wife Margret.

For his miniature dress medals, please see Lot 404.

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Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400