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James also had six brothers serving in the AIF.

Birchip Advertiser and Watchem Sentinel, 9 May 1917.

SERGEANT JAS. L. NEYLAND.

A cable message was received on Tuesday evening last by Mr and J. P. Neyland, of Birchip, to effect that their third eldest son, James Leslie, had been killed in action in France on April 9 last, Sergeant Neyland, together with six other brothers of this well-known family heard the call to arms, and instantly obeyed. The deceased soldier was born at Corack 36 years ago and was well and favourably known throughout the district prior to his departure for South Africa.

In the Boer war he immediately offered his services, although too young at the time to enter upon such strenuous duties, but all the same, he found his way into many skirmishes with the Boers. Sergeant Neyland was then put on in the horse department re-stocking the farms that had been depleted during that war. At the outbreak of hostilities of this dreadful war he was engaged as an engine driver at the Podgers Gold Mining Co in South Africa, and the fine grit with which he was endowed at once called upon him to do his bit for his country. He enlisted under the command of General Ilia, and when the German rising in Africa was quelled, sailed for England in the hope of joining up with the Australians en route to France, but was, however, detained at Aldershot helping in the training of troops, ....wanting to get to the front, he left England with British troops in November, and had been there ever since. Though the sad news of the young soldier's death is very much deplored throughout the district it is no doubt, comforting to know that he laid down his life in the defence of the country he loved. The sympathy of a very wide circle of friends will be bestowed on the family in the severe trial they have just undergone.