William James (Australian general)
William Brian James | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | William Brian James |
| Nickname(s) | Digger |
| Born | 14 May 1930 Shepparton, Victoria |
| Died | 16 October 2015 (aged 85) |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service | Australian Army |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 8th Field Ambulance |
| Awards | |
Major General William Brian "Digger" James AC AO (Mil) MBE MC (14 May 1930 – 16 October 2015) was an Australian solider and military physician who served in the Australian Army during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Early life
William James was born in May 1930 in Shepparton, the son of Thomas James, a local orchardist who had emigrated from Ireland. He was educated at Grahamvale State School and Shepparton High School. His lifelong nickname "Digger" pre-dated his military career, having been applied when someone placed a slouch hat on his head at the age of ten months.[1]
Military and medical career
At the completion of his schooling, James attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, from which he graduated in 1951.[2]
In 1952, James enlisted in the Australian Army and in October was posted as a platoon commander in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) during the Korean War. On 7 November, during the Second Battle of Maryang San (Hill 355), James led a patrol of twelve men to capture an enemy outpost. The group inadvertantly entered a Canadian minefield, resulting in the death of one soldier and four injuries, including the loss of James' left foot. Using a shoelace as a torniquet, James then organised the evacuation of his men from the battlefield, radioing for help and waiting three hours before being evacuated himself due to a shortage of stretchers.[1]
On 3 March 1953, James was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Korea due to his actions that day. The citation for his MC read:
The example set by Lieutenant James and his leadership, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice and extreme fortitude when in great personal distress was an inspiration to members of his battalion.
References
- ^ a b Lennon, Troy (20 October 2015). "Landmine injury inspired Major William 'Digger' James to become champion of war veterans". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "Former chairman of the Australian War Memorial, Major-General 'Digger' James dies". The Canberra Times. 19 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- 1930 births
- 2015 deaths
- Australian generals
- Australian military physicians
- Australian military personnel of the Korean War
- Australian military personnel of the Vietnam War
- Companions of the Order of Australia
- Officers of the Order of Australia
- Members of the Order of the British Empire
- Australian recipients of the Military Cross
- Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Sydney Medical School alumni
- Royal Military College, Duntroon graduates
- Australian people of Irish descent