Major James served with the 17th Lancers in the Zulu war of 1879, and was present in the engagement at Ulundi -wounded and charger wounded (Medal with Clasp). Served in the Egyptian war of 1882 as Aide de Camp to Lt.General Willis, Commanding the ist Division, and waspresent at the engagements of El Magfar, Tel-el-Mahuta and Kasasin (9th Sept.) and in the battle of Tel-el-Kebir (mentioned in despatches. Brevet of Major, Medal with Clasp, 4th Class of the Medjidie, and Khedive's Star). Served with the expedition to the Soudan in 1885 as Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General from the 16th March to the 18th April; afterwards organised and commanded the Camel Corps; was present in the engagement at Hasheen and at the destruction of Temai(mentioned in despatches, Clasp).