At the outbreak of the First World War was living in Glasgow. He enlisted in Hamilton with the Cameronians. James had gained promotion to Lance Corporal and it is thought he joined the 1st Battalion early in 1916. By the 20th July the Cameronians were engaged in very heavy fighting in a desperate attempt to take High Wood and Delville Wood. 107 men of the Battalion were killed, including James McGuckin.
Longueval is 13 kilometres east of Albert. Caterpillar Valley was the name given by the army to the long valley which rises eastwards, past Caterpillar Wood, to the high ground at Guillemont.
