James Dalziel was born in December, 1889, to local surgeon, William Dalziel, and was one of four brothers Charles Sutherland, William, James himself, and Stanley) who went to the High School and fought in the war.

He attended the High School from 1901 to 1904.

On leaving, he went to Durham College of Science and then, at some point, travelled to Canada to become a farmer.

He had already served in the 16th Light Horse Regiment when he signed up on 14-Dec-1914, and joined the 32nd Battalion of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force.

Little is known of his military career, other than he sustained injuries to his arm and leg.

He is believed to have survived the war, but nothing else is known.