James Seaton

James Seaton was born on 25th May 1891 in Corryong, Victoria, to Robert Seaton and Janet Alexandrina, nee Henderson. 

On 3rd February 1916, he enlisted at Tallangatta, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 24-year-old farmer from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 1683 and placed in the 1st Reinforcements of the 37th Battalion. James gave his next of kin as his mother, Janet Seaton. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Melbourne, Victoria, on 17th May 1916.

Three of James’ brothers, David, Robert and Alexander, would also enlist. Alexander died of wounds received at Messines, Belgium, on 13th June 1917.

James disembarked at Plymouth, England, on 18th July 1916. He was taken to No. 5 Camp at Larkhill, where he was transferred from the 1/37th (1st Reinforcements of the 37th Battalion) to D Company of the 37th Battalion. While still undergoing training in England, James was admitted to the Brigade Hospital ‘sick’. He remained there from the 12th January 1917 to the 25th February.

He finally arrived in Havre, France, on 4th March 1917. One month later, he was transferred to the 2nd Australian Mobile Veterinary Section. This unit functioned as a triage station, managing and treating casualties among horses and mules. In early June of 1918, he was admitted to the 5th Australian Field Ambulance, suffering from scabies. After three days, he was returned to his unit. 

Two days before the Armistice was declared, James was sent on a two-week leave in the UK. On 25th March 1919, he returned to Australia aboard the SS Port Denison with the rank of Driver. He was discharged on 28th June 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

James married Dorothy Maude Webb on 28th March 1923 at St Matthew’s Church in Albury. The couple resided in Corryong, with James farming in the Biggara area.  The couple would raise a family of six children. On 12th June 1941, James held a clearing sale at his property. The couple had sold the property and moved to Walwa to continue farming. By 1944, the Seaton family was living in Melbourne. Tragedy struck on 8th December 1944 when Dorothy suddenly passed away. James passed away on the 3rd January 1959 at Fitzroy, Victoria and was buried in St. Kilda Cemetery, St Kilda, Victoria.