Adams, CPL David, MM

Corporal David Adams, MM (1875-1939), farm manager and soldier was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, son of Robert Adams and Jessie Adams, the oldest of two brothers and two sisters. He worked in Aberdeen as a blacksmith apprentice for 4 years. Eventually, he moved to Western Australia with his parents (most likely before 1896) and married Margaret Gordon Adams in 1916 shortly before enlisting in the AIF.

At the outbreak of the Great War, Adams was working as a farm manager. He enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 4th May 1916 at the relatively old age of 40 and was posted to the 4th Reinforcements of the 44th Battalion. Adams embarked for overseas service on the 13th October 1916 and arrived at the front line on the 9th February 1917.

Adams saw action in most of the hellish fighting of 1917, at Messines, Broodseinde, Ypres and Passchendaele. He was wounded in action at the very end of the Battle of Passchendaele where he was also awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the Field (the third highest award for gallantry in the field). He was also promoted to Lance Corporal.

After spending 7 months recovering in England, Adams returned to the front line and fought in all of the key battles of the second half of 1918 including Hamel, Amiens and breaching the Hindenburg Line. In September 1918 he was promoted to Corporal and was detached to the 3rd Division until February 1919. He returned to Australia in October 1919 after almost 3 years’ service overseas.

Adams and his wife moved around Perth, West Perth and North Perth over the years. Eventually, he settled in Kojonup where he died on the 13th November 1939 at the age of 64.

Adams 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!

Completed by Luca Muir Anderson

Regimental Number:
2286

Subunit:
4th Reinforcements

Enlistment Date:
4th May 1916

Age at Enlistment:
40 Years, 2 Months

Birthplace:
Aberdeen, Scotland, British Empire

Ethnicity:
British Australian (Scottish)

Religion:
Presbyterian

Residence:
North Perth, Western Australia (15 Marmion Street)

Height and Measurements:
5"6

Occupation at Enlistment:
Farm Manager

Married:
Yes – Margaret Gordon Adams

Next of Kin:
Sister – Annie Shepherd (South Bunbury)

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
4th May 1916 – 6th October 1919

Overseas Service:
13th October 1916 – 6th October 1919

Front Line Service:
9th February 1917 – 20th October 1917, 8th June 1918 – 11th November 1918

Battle Honours:
13: Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Hamel, Amiens, Albert 1918, Mont St. Quentin, Hindenburg Line, St. Quentin Canal, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Wounded in Action (20th October 1917, Battle of Passchendale) (Recovered in England for 7 months)

Awards:
Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Badge, Active Service Badge, 2 Good Conduct Stripes, 2 Long Service Stripes.