181a. Private James Laird Mitchell Late 5th Infantry Battalion Australian Imperial Force.
Date	Summary of Events and Information	Reference
18th Feb 1893	James Laird Mitchell born to Alexander and Elizabeth (Laird) Mitchell	Hugh & Janet (Binnie) McLeish.
1897-1901	On the 11th Apr 1897 James father died aged 35 years. James was 4 years old. His mother was remarried to James Binnie on 18th Aug 1897. This union would result in 12 children 4 from James first marriage 4 from Elizabeth’s first marriage and 4 from the new union. On the 1901 census the family was as follows. James Binnie Daughters, Annie Binnie 12 years and Ela Binnie 5 years Sons John Binnie 9 Years and Henry Binnie 7 years. Elizabeth Mitchell Daughter, Agnes 5 years. Sons, William 9 years, James 8 years,and Alex 11 years. Together Daughters, Elizabeth 2 years and a son David 9 months, still to be born at this stage sons Robert and Andrew. The family home was at Tenacre Cottage, Grangemouth now the site of the BP refinery.	Hugh & Janet (Binnie) McLeish.
1916	At some stage prior to 3rd Mar 1916 James migrated to Australia and settled in Victoria.	Hugh & Janet (Binnie) McLeish.
23rd Mar 1916	James enlisted at Geelong Nr. Melbourne Victoria on the 3rd Mar 1916. He gave his natural fathers name as his own but declared his mother as (Mrs J Binnie) as his next of kin. Her address was Leatham, Airth, by Larbert, Stirling, Scotland. On his attestation forms he declares his age as 22 years and occupation as a farm labourer. He gave his address as Carpondeit, Victoria. James was 5 foot 7 ½ inches of fair complexion with green eyes and brown hair. He weighed 10 Stone.	Attestation & Medical Forms.
27th Mar 1916	After his medical and other tests James joined the 19th Depot Battalion at Geelong.	Statement of Service.
16th May 1916	Transferred to 3rd Division Cyclist Battalion.	Statement of Service.
18th May 1916	Embarked on His Majesty’s Australian Transport (HMAT) Demosthenes bound for England.	Hugh & Janet (Binnie) McLeish.
13th Jun 1916	While at sea James was convicted of disobedience to ships orders and forfeits three days pay.	Conduct Sheet.
3rd Aug 1916	Landed in England and marched to Park House, Chisledon.	Army Form B. 105.
19th Aug 1916	Taken on strength Cyclist Training Battalion (England).	Army Form B. 105.
7th Sept 1916	Posted to the 5th Cyclist Battalion.	Statement of Service.
15th Sept 1916	Proceeded overseas to France with the 5th Battalion reinforcements.	Army form B. 105.
17th Sept 1916	Joined base depot Ex-England at Etaples France. Here he would have done run up training prior to duty in the trenches. This run up training was a lesson hard learned in the early days of the trenches.	Army Form B. 105.
6th Oct 1916	James joined the 5th Battalion as a re-enforcement and was taken on strength in the field.	Army Form B. 105.
20th Dec 1916	James is reported killed in action. The Unit War diary records. Battalion relieved in Switch & Cap Trenches by 4th Battalion AIF and then moved to Bernafay Wood. B Company records 4 other ranks killed and 5 wounded but gives no details.	Casualty Report. WO95/3233
20th Dec 1916	The body of James Laird Mitchell was laid to rest in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery grave J 62.	CWGC
30th Apr 1917	Mrs Binnie signed for James effects, a wallet, bible, note book and 2 medallions. At a later stage she would have got his awards the British War and Victory Medals and on the 21st Dec 1921 she signed for his memorial plaque and scroll.	Service Papers.