In 1938 he went up to Balliol College, Oxford, to read Geography, but left after 4 terms to join the RNVR, serving as a Lieutenant in command of Motor Gun Boats operating out of Felixstowe.
In 1938 he went up to Balliol College, Oxford, to read Geography, but left after four terms to join the RNVR. James served as a Lieutenant in command of Motor Gun Boats operating out of Felixstowe.