Adam, LT James

Lieutenant James Adam (1889-1918), farmer and officer, was born near Inglewood, Victoria, son of John & Margaret Adam, who were both born in Victoria. He was the middle child of 3 other brothers and 1 sister. Eventually, the family moved to Waanyarra, East Pingelly in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. His mother unfortunately died in 1917, followed by his brother, Robert in 1918 just a few months before his own death.

Adam enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force as a 2nd Lieutenant in January 1916 along with his brother, Robert. He embarked for overseas service with the 7th Reinforcements, 44th Battalion on the 29th January 1917 and reached the front line on the 27th October 1917 right after the Battle of Passchendaele. He was promoted to Lieutenant upon arrival. He fought with the battalion during the 1918 Spring Offensive but was posted to the 11th Trench Light Mortar Batter in May 1918, where he would remain until his death.

Adam was wounded twice, first in May 1918 and then at the Battle of Amiens in August 1918. He was killed in action on the 26th August 1918 whilst taking part in the final campaign of the war, The 100 Days Campaign.

“Lt. Adam went out to No Man’s Land to try and locate enemy machine gun position In doing so was shot by an enemy machine gun sniper – Death was instantaneous. The only personnel of my Battery who could supply any further information and who were with Lieutenant Adam at the time of this death have since been killed in action.”

Adam was initially buried in a small cemetery near Copse by men of the 34th Battalion, however he was reburied at Suzanne French Military Ceremony (Plot 1, Row C, Grave 6). His brother also did not survive the war.

Lieutenant James Adam (L) with his brother, Private Robert Adam

Adam was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!

Record completed by Gianluca Mastrocinque

Sources

National Archives Australia

Virtual War Memorial | James ADAM (vwma.org.au)

Lieutenant James Adam (1889-1918) – Find a Grave Memorial

Regimental Number:
N/A

Subunit:
7th Reinforcements

Enlistment Date:
12th January 1916

Age at Enlistment:
26 Years, 4 Months

Birthplace:
Inglewood, Victoria

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Presbyterian

Residence:
Waanyarra, East Pingelly, Wheatbelt, Western Australia

Height and Measurements:
5"11

Occupation at Enlistment:
Farmer

Married:
No

Next of Kin:
Father - John Adam, East Pingelly

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
12th January 1916 – 26th August 1918

Overseas Service:
29th January 1917 – 26th August 1918

Front Line Service:
27th October 1917 – 26th August 1918

Battle Honours:
6: Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Hamel, Amiens, Albert 1918, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Killed In Action (Shot in Head (26th August 1918) “Machine Gun bullet received through the mouth and out at the back of the head.” Wounded In Action Twice, 24th May 1918 & 8th August 1918 (Battle of Amiens, Remained at Duty) Sick – Slight Tonsilitis (12 Days) (May 1917)

Awards:
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Active Service Badge, Death Plaque, Wound Stripe (Twice), 1 Good Conduct Stripe, 1 Long Service Stripe