| James McMaster was the younger of two sons of Alexander and Catherine McMaster. Alexander McMaster married Catherine Diamond on 10th August 1884 in the district of Magherafelt.
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| James McMaster was born on 25th September 1888 in the Maghera area.
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| Family: Alexander McMaster, Catherine McMaster, John McMaster (born 21st November 1886), James McMaster (born 25th September 1888).
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| Alexander McMaster died on 18th May 1892, aged 44. James was just three years old.
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| The 1901 census lists James as age 11, living with his mother and brother at house 26 in Slaughtneil, Tullykeron, County Londonderry.
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| James McMaster married Mary McCusker on 20th June 1912 in the district of Magherafelt. They had at least one child, John McCusker, born 25th February 1913. There was possibly a second, Florence McMaster, born on 15th July 1914.
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| James McMaster enlisted in Cookstown.
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| Private James McMaster was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.).
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| He was also awarded the Decoration Militaire, a Belgian decoration.
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| From the Belfast Newsletter dated 25th September 1917: Ordre de Leopold
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| Conferred by his Majesty the King of the Belgians. Decoration Militaire – Lance Corporal James McMaster, Royal Irish Regiment (Maghera)
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| Private James McMaster D.C.M. was serving with the 7th (South Irish Horse) Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918. He was 29 years old.
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| Private James McMaster D.C.M. is buried in Grave 1-B-21 at Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, France
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| The CWGC record Private James McMaster D.C.M. as the son of Alexander and Catherine McMaster, of Corlecky, Maghera. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary McMaster of Hall Street, Maghera, Co. Londonderry
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