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Photo from AWM

James was born in Heathcote, VIC in 1884 to James Thomas Edgerton and Elizabeth Ann Trantor. James had a brother, William, who is also remembered in the Avenue.

DOW

James was a labourer, living at Surry Hills, VIC when he enlisted in the AIF, 10^th Machine Gun Company on the 27^th of March 1916, aged nearly 32. He embarked aboard the HMAT A11 Ascanius in May, disembarking in England in July.

In August 1916, while still in England, James was AWOL for 38 hours for which he was confined to barracks for seven days and lost two days pay. He spent just over two weeks in hospital in October with measles before proceeding to France in November. James was again hospitalised in January 1917 - this time with mumps. He rejoined his unit in February. He spent ten days in a Convalescent Camp in June.

James was involved in the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge - part of the Third Battle of Ypres - near Vlamertinghe, Belguim on the 4^th of October 1917 when he was hit by a shell and severely wounded.

I saw Edgerton wounded at Vanisker Farm, Ypres, just as we had taken up position. I was in the same gun team. He was wounded in the head, had his leg shattered and hand mutilated by a shell…

Source: A Figules 507 10th M. G. Coy.

James died of his wounds the next day at the 44^th Casualty Clearing Station. He was buried in the Nine Elms British Cemetery, Belgium - Plot 1 Row E Grave 1.

He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour and the Roll of Honour of S^t. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bacchus Marsh.