Bandmaster.
Born at Umballa, India, 1883. Son of Alfred James and Emily Tavner. Married Kitty Crawford, Hull, England, 28 July 1911. Was educated at the English Schools. Comes of a military and musical family; father, served on the staff of the Duke of Connaught in India, 1st Battalion of the 25th; schoolmaster attached to regiment and band-master of the King’s Own. Captain James has had a long and honorable career, served in Africa with 2nd Dragoon Guards (Cavalry); eight years with the Bays, Corporal, Solo Clarinet; purchased discharge and returned to England; passed examinations and joined Scots Guards (seven years) principal performer; played at King Edward’s funeral, coronation of King George, many Court festivities; came to Canada and toured with Scots Guards Band, 1911; came to Winnipeg and was Assistant Musical Director of 106th Regiment Light Infantry Band. Joined Canadian Expeditionary Force, August 1914. Organized Canadian Expeditionary Force Band (106th ) Valcartier, 10th Battalion Band. France, February 1915, 10th Battalion Band; smuggled instruments into France and was the first Canadian Band with the Division, 2nd Brigade Band; on return to Canada after the war formed GWVA Band; toured the U.S.A. and came to Winnipeg. The PPCLI Band under his efficient leadership has become one of the leading bands of Canada; visited Wembley Exhibition, 1924; invited to return in 1925; promoted captain. Holds many splendid letters of commendation from military and musical authorities. Member of the Winnipeg Kiwanis Club. Address, Tuxedo Barracks, Tuxedo, Manitoba.
Pioneers and Prominent People of Manitoba, Winnipeg: Canadian Publicity Company, 1925.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 22 December 2012
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