James joined the army as a private, and served in the Great War 1914-1918.
He was soon promoted. The London Gazette 7.12.1915:
The Highland Light Infantry- To be 2nd. Lieutenant- James Cooke Macnab
London Gazette 27.7.1916, 2nd Lt. James Cooke MacNab, 1/9th Btn, High. Light Inf, T.F., awarded the Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry during a raid. He took many prisoners, as ordered, at greater risk than if he had killed his opponents. He repeatedly showed great daring on patrol.' (T.F. = Territorial Force ?)
Lieutenant James Cooke MacNab, M.C., was commissioned Lieutenant 9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry, on 1.7.1917.
90 years later, and 24 years after his death:
Notice of an Auction of Military Medals on 20.4.2006, by Spink & Son Ltd, London:
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. Group of Four.
Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse neatly engraved ‘Second Lieutenant James Cooke Macnab, M.C. 9th (Glasgow Highlanders) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, For Conspicuous Gallantry 27th July 1916’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1914 Star (921 C. Sjt J.C. McNab. 9/High: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J.C. MacNab), extremely fine (4) Estimate £800-900
