"By 1944 he'd reached the age of 21, and his opportunities to deploy to Europe looked thin so he took up the chance to transfer to the Royal New Zealand Navy and begun his training at Devonport.
"In November 1944, James and three other New Zealanders were deployed to the Royal Navy's HMS Caistor Castle out of Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
"The vessel made its maiden voyage as part of the 30th Escort Group, escorting merchant convoys in the Atlantic.
"As a Stoker, James' primary roll was in the boiler room, ensuring the vessel had sufficient steam for propulsion.
"At the time there was vigorous U-boat activity, so being stationed below the water line in a vessel was considered less than favourable.
"The Caistor Castle continued patrolling coastal areas of the United Kingdom and the North Sea, hunting U-boats and protecting convoys from mines.
"Once VE day came in May, the Caistor Castle steamed to Bergen Norway to participate in the surrender of the U-boat bases there.
"Coming face to face with the enemy as a surrendered foe was described as surreal, having the Kriegsmarine occupy one side of the street and the Royal Navy the other.
"The slow trip home via the home ports after VE day was also described as a highlight."
As a testament to James' service in World War II, all of his grandchildren will be travelling from various parts of New Zealand to attend the service with him in Paraparaumu, Dave said.
"As I highlighted to him, Anzac Day day means a great deal to non-serving citizens, honouring those that fought for our future generations' freedoms, and for that generation to acknowledge the sacrifices of their forefathers.
"I was lucky enough to experience the 85th Anzac commemorations at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli in 2000. Experiencing that service and remembering New Zealand's involvement had a huge impact on me.
"I make an effort each Anzac Day to attend at dawn with my children, ensuring that they appreciate New Zealand's involvement, and that of their great-granddad's, so the phrase lest we forget endures."
