James Edward Byrne

James Edward Byrne is one of the main protagonists of the Panzerfahren Chronicles series, although taking a secondary protagonist role in Legacy.

## Background

James is born in Prestune, England on the 16th of January 2000. His father, Alan Byrne, is unknown to him, having left when James turned 1; and his mother, Sarah Byrne, was admitted to Pingvöllr Mental Hospital when James was 5.

In his early life, he mainly lived with his grandparents; who's righteous attitude rubbed off on James. As he grew, they would tell James the stories from when they were young. James, ever the curious child, would listen intently. In particular, he loved "The Tank Ones", and "The Train Ones"; which his Grandfather would tell him from his time in Panzerfahren, and his time with British Railways.

When he reached the age of 4, James was enrolled in Prestune Junior School - where he befriended Josh Willow, Daniel Johnson, and Kieran Sanders. The four drew close at their time at the school, and, as time went on, were joined by another boy: George Blake. By the time they were 11, the boys all considered each other brothers.

### Fender Valley

After leaving Prestune Junior, James joins Fender Valley High School; along with the rest of the boys. With the influence of his Grandfather's stories, James signed himself up for the school's Panzerfahren team; to which he was accepted. Soon after, and following his influence, the rest of the boys signed up as well. At the age of 11, they were deemed too young to join the team; and, as a result, had to wait until he turned 12 to join.

By the time James had finally turned 12, there were a number of tanks free on the team due to the school's seniors aging out. Randomly, James chose out an M4A2 Sherman Tank; one of the oldest on the team. Naturally, the rest of the boys (who fought like hell to stay together) took the same decision. When the news of his choice made it back to the prior crew, they said to them:

> *"You're gonna need a helluva lot of good luck with that F\*\*ker!"*
>
>

James, somewhat taken aback by their response, wanted to switch; but by then it was too late, and they were stuck with the Sherman. In a small effort of defiance, the crew decided on a name for the tank. The name they decided was: "Good - Luck".

### First Matches

James took command of "Good - Luck" on his ever match, in February 2012; against local rivals Gaitone Grammar. The match itself was short, with a Gaitone Grammar victory. The Team Commander, Libby Daniels, wasn't expecting much from the new crew; believing they would most likely make a mistake in the early game, and be knocked out of the game as soon as they entered combat. Much to her surprise, James commanded the crew of "Good - Luck" more effectively than first believed, with the crew claiming their first 'kill' in the match. As a result of their surprising performance, they were dispatched to Two Squadron; Fender Valley's 'recruit squadron'. While there, James met Elise Walton, and Casey Jones; both of whom, he took a liking to.

### Puppy Love

After meeting Elise Walton, James immediately took a liking to her; as did she. Despite her relationship with another student in the Squadron, Ben Davies, the two quickly developed feelings for each other. Soon after, Elise ended the relationship with Ben, and began one with James. The relationship between them, however, was short lived; as, after an argument, the two decided to split. Such a decision made things between the two very awkward for a few years.

## Panzerfahren Chronicles

### Arc One: Early Beginnings

James is the first character introduced in Panzerfahren Chronicles. When we meet him, he is the second in command of Two Squadron, under Casey Jones and Libby Daniels; the Team's commander. James receives an e-mail on his first day back, saying that Libby, along with the rest of the senior students, will be stood down from participating in Panzerfahren this year by the Headmaster; thus making Casey the new commander of the team. Furthermore, there are rumor's circulating that Fender Valley might ditch Panzerfahren after the year passes. Casey confirms these, as he takes his position as team commander at a Panzerfahren team meeting. within the same meeting, James is promoted to the second in command of the whole team, which, naturally, shakes James' nerve. Elise is also promoted to commander of Two Squadron. Once the meeting concludes, James attempts to get the promotion revoked, saying:

> "I know you trust me, but i don't think I'm ready for this yet. This is a very big responsibility."
>
>
>

Casey declines his pleads, stating James is a competent commander, and is more than capable to lead; as is Elise. Feeling somewhat better about the decision, James accepts the position. Casey is quick to throw a spanner in the works, as he tells James he must take the induction assembly for the new students joining the team that year, saying it'll boost James' confidence. Begrudgingly, James takes the assembly.

James is also the one who is selected to go to Tankfest, in Bovington. After a small competition between the crew's of the team, James and the boys are victorious; therefore being the ones selected to go. While there, James meets Katie Mitchell - an RAF Air Cadet, and Kreigsfleiger Pilot. She stops him from purchasing a Blackburn Firebrand, which James mistaken for a '*good*' ground attack aircraft. In this brief encounter, James immediately begins to take a liking to Katie, before being ushered away by George.