Private James William Bateman was born in Rowley Regis, Staffordshire. His mother's maiden name was Parkes. He volunteered for airborne forces, from the Somerset Light Infantry, and completed parachute course 50 at RAF Ringway. This course ran between 8 and 22 February 1943. His jump instructor noted this about James' performance on the course:

"Keen and has worked hard. Reached good standard"

After successfully completing this course he was posted  served with 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, A Company, 1 Platoon. He saw service in the Normandy and the Ardennes campaign.

Private Bateman was killed on 24 March 1945, aged 25 years old. He is now buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany in plot 42.E.1.

His profile picture is taken from the 7th Para Bn photo, April 1944