Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James Durham served twice in the South African (Boer) War and again in WW1 and again in WW2 (home service). First service was as a Private S.N. 169, 1st Queensland Mounted Infantry, Boer War. Second service was as a Corporal S.N. 384, 6th Queensland Imperial Bushmen, Boer War. Third service was as a Corporal S.N. 140, 2nd Light Horse Regiment AIF, WW1. Fourth service was as a Private S.N. Q90837, 1st Garrison Battalion (Qld), home service, WW2.

When he first enlisted in 1899, and his details were published in The Brisbane Courier, 18 Nov 1899, he was recorded as J. Durham, single, Gympie. In the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 1st QMI, Bk 1 p. 38, it is noted he directed part of his pay to Mrs. D. Durham, Kalka St, North Rockhampton, and directly under was written Mrs. H. M. Durham which was his mother. The paybooks note that like a number of the men, he was seconded to the South African Police between 19 Jun 1900 and 1 Jul 1900. He served the full tour of the 1st QMI, and returned aboard S.S. Orient to Brisbane where he was discharged 23 Jan 1901.

When he enlisted again in 1902 in the 6th QIB and his details were published with the rank and file in The Queenslander. 13 Apr 1901, it was noted his N.O.K. was his father David Durham, Charles St, North Rockhampton. He served the full tour of the 6th QIB, and returned aboard S.S. Devon to Brisbane where he was discharged 23 Jun 1902.

In 1914 he enlisted again for WW1 with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment AIF and on his Attestation Paper, dated 21 Aug 1914, it was noted that; he was born at Brisbane and was 32 years 2 months of age (appears he lowered his age); he was married and a billiard marker; his N.O.K. was his wife Sarah Durham, Yarraman via Esk; and he had previously served in South Africa with the 1st and 6th Queensland contingents. He embarked on 24 Sep 1914 and was wounded in action at Gallipoli on 11 Sep 1915. He embarked on 28 Jan 1916 to return to Australia where he was discharged on 10 May 1916.

In 1941 he enlisted again in for WW2 (home duties) and on his first Attestation Form, dated 17 Oct 1939, it was noted; he was born at Brisbane on 1 Jun 1881 (lowered his age again) and was 58 years of age; he was married and a transport driver; his N.O.K. was his wife Sarah Durham, Yarraman; and he had previously served at Gallipoli and South Africa.

James Durham was born at Brisbane on 6 Jun 1878, a son to David Durham and Hannah Mary Durham (nee Drewery). He married Sarah McAdam Macintyre on 7 Feb 1912 in Queensland.

They became long term residents at Yarraman where he became immersed in the community and business. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Yarraman sub-branch of the RSL and construction of the town memorial hall. He turned his hand to many occupations including billiard marker/saloon operator, transport driver, newsagent, hairdresser, and tobacconist.

(source- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray p. 451 and 517; National Archives Australia- Boer War Dossier 1st service; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 1st QMI, Bk 1 p, 38 and 6th QIB, Bk 2 p. 161; National Archives Australia- combined WW1 and WW2 service records).