Private James Travis was born in Oldham and originally attested for the 29th Regiment in March 1839, aged 18 years. With the 29th he saw extensive active service in India, being wounded in the stomach by a grapeshot at the Battle of Sobraon. Also a veteran of the Punjab Campaign 1848-49 and the Indian Mutiny, he transferred to the 35th Regiment in March 1859 and was discharged at his own request in early 1861.