959 Sergeant James Featherston(e) - 4th Battalion Tropical Force
Born 1874 Buninyong Victoria to Ralph and Isabella Featherston, being one of six siblings, with, John 1854, George 1864, jane 1865, Elizabeth 1868, William 1871 and Alfred 1877.
He was educated at Buninyong and after leaving school took up work as a labourer then became a tailor. While he was in Ballarat he joined the Ballarat Militia, serving with them for four years.
He came to WA early 1900's and took up residence in Fremantle. James continued his interest in the military, joining the Fremantle Garrison Artillery, with whom he served for five years.
James married Milicent Maud Toll in August 1904 and a daughter Jean was born in 1906 and a son John in 1910. The family lived 70 quarry street Fremantle.
He was working as a tailor when he enlisted into the Australian forces.
James enlisted on the 16th September 1915 and was passed as fit for service. The medical examiner recorded his physical attributes as;
Height - 5 feet 10 inches tall;
Weight - 135lbs;
Chest Measurement - 34-37 inches;
Complexion - Fair;
Eyes - Brown;
Hair - Brown.
After his successful enlistment James was sent to Blackboy Hill Camp. Instead of being assigned to the Australian Imperial Force, James was sent to the WA Guard of the New Guinea Force of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. This was also known as the 4th Battalion Tropical Force
After his enlistment the family moved to 23 Tuckfield Street Fremantle. (later renumbered 20 Tuckfield)
James was assigned to F Company No.4 Bn Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. This group left from Sydney aboard the HMAT Te Anau on the 20th November 1915.
On his arrival in Rabaul James was taken on strength of the Australian forces there. He would serve in Rabaul and New Britain for the next few years.
In July 1916 he was promoted to Corporal and this was soon followed by promotion to Sergeant.
In early 1917 James was granted a furlough back to Western Australia so he was able to see his family before he had to return to Rabaul in March 1917.
On the 30th July 1918 James was admitted to Hospital ill. He was operated on but sadly died from an abscess on his liver on the 30th July 1918 in Kokopo District East new Britain. James was buried in Rabual War Cemetery.
