"SOUTH AFRICA 1877-79, no clasp (J. M. James. M. at A. H.M.S. “Himalaya”); ROYAL NAVY L.S. & G.C., V.R.
John May James was born at St German’s, Cornwall, on 13 April 1842. He volunteered for 10 years Continuous Service in the Royal Navy on 18 November 1868, subsequently extended for a further 10 years. He served from the outset as a Ship’s Corporal 2nd Class, becoming Ship’s Corporal 1st Class in November 1871 and Master-at-Arms in December 1875. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal on 17th May 1879 while serving aboard H.M.S. Himalaya, in which ship he also saw service during the Zulu War of that same year. He was
finally ‘Shore Pensioned’ from H.M.S. Royal Adelaide on 19th November 1888"