The eldest son of Margaret Rankin James (1865–1947), née Gracie,[1] John Hugh James was born at Sale, Victoria on 4 May 1890.
He married Ethel May Condron (b.1890) in Maribyrnong, Victoria on 11 November 1913.[2] They had three children, Sylvia (1915-2008), Marjorie (b.1920), and Laurie (b.1923).
Victorian Team: 1914 ANFC Carnival. James is third player from right, back row.[3]Enthusiast's Letter to the Editor The Herald, 21 Sept. 1934.[4]The Third Australian Divisional Team: 28 October 1916.[5] James is fourth player from right, back row.1920 Richmond Premiership Team. James is fourth player from left, back row.
"A champion ruckman during Richmond’s formative years in the VFL[, Hughie James] was a strongly-built man who was courageous, skilful, and very fair. He was fine team man who partnered Bernie Herbert in what was a very formidable rucking combination. He was also a very adept palmer of the ball and never became flustered during a tense situation."[6]
Playing the season with the "Junior" club, Maribyrnong, he played in two matches for the Essendon Association Football Club in the VFA in 1908: against North Melbourne on 8 June 1908,[9] and against Northcote on 13 June 1908.[10]
League Footballer Enlists A notable recruit entered the room [at the Melbourne Town Hall Depot] during the evening [of 28 January 1916] in an unassuming manner peculiar to himself. He was Hugh James, for many years a burly and indefatigable follower with the Richmond football team in League premiership competitions. He gave his age as 25 and stated that he was a married man with one child. They were going to turn me down he said when questioned, "and said my eyesight was not good; but it seems that they mixed me up with another chap. Anyhow, I objected and told them that I would submit to a test on the other side of the street. The doctor was very nice when he found out how matters were. It was all over in a moment or two. I thought it was up to me to do my share. You see I'm young and in good condition. And--who knows?--I might be on the ball again in a season or two." So be it. A great many admirers of this popular player will devoutly hope so, at any rate. — The Argus, 28 January 1916.[15]
He served in the First AIF from 1916 to 1919. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant, he was twice wounded on active duty in France, and was twice awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the battlefield,[16] "making him the most decorated senior footballer of the Great War".[17]
2nd Lieutenant John Hugh James, Infantry. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in reconnoitring and repairing a road and constructing a bridge over a river under heavy shell fire. His gallantry under the most trying circumstances was a fine example, and inspired his men with the greatest confidence.[18][19][20]
The original recommendation for the award read as follows:
2nd Lieut. John Hugh JAMES., 3rd Aust. Pioneer Battalion. On the 7th and 8th June 1917, at MESSINES ROAD he reconnoitred and repaired this road, and constructed a bridge over the river DOUVE under heavy shell fire. His devotion to duty under the most trying circumstances, was a fine example, and inspired his men with confidence.[21]
Lieutenant John Hugh James., M.C., 3rd Pioneer Battalion. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led his platoon against a strongly defended line, suffering heavy casualties from machine-gun fire, but he reached his objective and captured thirty prisoners. He superintended and encouraged the men in the consolidation of the position, exposed to constant machine-gun and rifle fire. His determination contributed largely to the success of the operation.[22][23]
The original recommendation for the award, dated 5 September 1918, by Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Sanday, read as follows:
On the 22nd. August, 1918, during the attack West of BRAY, Lieut. JAMES led his platoon with great gallantry and skill. Although the enemy line was strongly held by machine-guns which caused many casualties among his men, he succeeded in reaching his objective and capturing 30 prisoners. Throughout the consolidation his men were subject to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and it was only by his courage, cheerful disposition and total disregard of danger that the consolidation was successful. His fine example, great gallantry and devotion to duty was an inspiration to all ranks and contributed largely to the success of the operation.[24]
He returned to Australia on the troopship Rio Pardo,[25][26] arriving in Adelaide on 17 July 1919, and in Melbourne (via interstate rail at Spencer Street Railway Station) on 18 July 1919.[27][28][29]
Hogan P: The Tigers of Old: A Complete History of Every Player to Represent the Richmond Football Club between 1908 and 1996, Richmond FC, (Melbourne), 1996. ISBN0-646-18748-1
The VFA Project: Hugh James — note that if (apart from his time with Preston in 1907 and 1908) he had played for Essendon (Association) in 1902, as this mistaken record claims, he would only have been 12 years old at the time.
