James Durward was born on 16 March 1889 in Old Machar, Aberdeenshire. He migrated to Perth in 1913 and soon joined Thistles, transferring to Caledonians the following season.
He enlisted in the AIF at the end of that year and while serving married Agnes Ann McHardy on 17 March 1917 in Durrington, Wiltshire.
He had a steady military service, rising to Sergeant and keeping his nose clean, obtaining a first class result in a rifle course. He was sent to France in July 1917 and hospitalised back in England with a septic bunion in early 1918. Granted extended leave in 1919 to work as a French polisher and see out his war service, he returned to Australia in 1920 with Agnes and the two children they had already conceived.
His commitment to football continued, joining Thistles before once again transferring to Caledonians, and playing into his late 30s. He took up administrative roles in the game and the reserve championship trophy was named the Durward Shield. He also imported “Manfield Hotspur Soccer Boots” which were sold via catalogue. He died on 13 July 1970 in Western Australia at the age of 81. IS