James was born at Bacchus Marsh(2), VIC, in 1885 to Martin Cosgrove and Mary Seery. James married Agnes West in 1906 and they had at least four children, Catherine, James, Edward and Alice - all born in Bacchus Marsh. James had a brother, Martin and a brother-in-law, Walter (Ted) Phillips, who are also remembered in the Avenue.
James was a labourer, living in Bacchus Marsh, VIC, when he enlisted in the AIF, 9th Reinforcements, 8th Light Horse Regiment on the 17th of June 1915, aged 30. He embarked aboard the HMAT A20 Hororata at the end of September and disembarked in Egypt, possibly in October or November.
It is not clear whether James joined his unit at Gallipoli - the 8th Light Horse was certainly at Gallipoli. In January 1916 he spent two weeks in hospital in Egypt with Mumps. In March he was transferred to the 3rd Light Horse Reserve Regiment and then to the 12th Field Artillery Brigade, 45th Battery, mustered as a Gunner. James embarked for England in August.
In December 1916 James was in France with the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column before transferring to the 11th Field Artillery Brigade, 42nd Battery, mustered as a Driver. In July he developed Trench Fever and was evacuated back to England where he was hospitalised for a month. He rejoined his unit in France in March 1918, returning to England in January 1919. James embarked for Australia aboard the Medic in April, disembarking at the end of May. He was discharged from the AIF in November 1919.
James died at Fitzroy, VIC, in 1932, aged 47.
He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour and the Roll of Honour for the Coimadai State School. He is also remembered in the Coimadai Avenue of Honour.
Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.67938783239699, 144.45538163161217
Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:27:33