James Lambe was born in Perth WA in 1873 to James and Esther Lambe. (though his service records states he was born in Bunbury).
The family appears to have lived in Fremantle, with his father James dying in Fremantle in 1896.
James stated that he served in the Boer War South Africa with the Imperial Light Horse for one and a half years.
He Married in 1910 in Fremantle to Florence Hilda Wrightson and a daughter Gwyneth born in South Fremantle in 1912.
The family lived in Perth and then at 34 East Street Fremantle. (later renumbered to 20 East)
On the 16th September 1915 James enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force. He was accepted as fit for service, with the medical examiner recording his physical attributes as;
Height - 5 feet 9 & 1/2 inches tall;
Weight - 165lbs;
Chest Measurement - 39-41 inches;
Complexion - Dark;
Eyes - Brown;
Hair - Dark Brown.
Upon his successful enlistment, James was sent to Blackboy Hill Camp and was assigned to the 4th Squadron of the 1st Australian Remount Unit. They left Australia aboard the transport ship Orsova on the 12th November 1915 and made their way to Egypt.
He would only have a few months in Egypt as in January 1916 James fell ill and was diagnosed with heart disease and general debility. On the 9th February 1916 he returned to Australia aboard the transport ship Nestor. James was disembarked in Albany and was sent to a convalescent home.
On the 15th September 1916 he was discharged from the AIF. On his return to Fremantle he reunited with his family who were living at 50 John Street Fremantle. (later renamed to 18 Fothergill Street)
In 1917 James became a Recruiting Sergeant and was based at 578 High St Fremantle (now known as 5 Terrazzo Lane). He was in this position through to 1919. With the end of the war James and the family headed to Victoria where he undertook training in wool classing.
It appears the family then remained in Victoria.
James died on the 7th May 1949 Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Victoria
