Quartermaster Sergeant H.D. James Adam (1897-?) was born in Fremantle, Western Australia. He had service in the 86th Infantry Regiment (possibly from the age of 15). Adam enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 6th February 1916, joining the 44th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted to Corporal in August 1917, Sergeant in August 1918 and Quartermaster Sergeant in September 1918. He was wounded on the 7th August 1918. When asked how he felt about his wound, he wrote “Pretty Right”. He returned to Australia on the 21st June 1919, having fought in all the battles of the battalion.
In 1947, his wife, Sarah Adam divorced him stating that they had not lived together for 5 years.
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!
Completed by Luca Muir Anderson
271
Original Battalion
6th February 1916
19 Years, 1 Month
Fremantle, W.A.
British Australian
Presbyterian
Fremantle, W.A.
5"7
Clerk
No
James Hunter Adam - 106 Mary Street, Fremantle, W.A.
86th Infantry Regiment [A West Australian Conscript Battalion] (Up to 4 years' service?)
6th February 1916 - 21st June 1919
6th June 1916 - 21st June 1919
25th November 1916 - 5th December 1916, 8th December 1916 - 6th August 1917, October 1917 - 10th October 1918, 9th November 1918 - 11th November 1918
15: Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Hamel, Amiens, Albert 1918, Mont St. Quentin, Hindenburg Line, St. Quentin Canal, France and Flanders 1916-1918
Yes – Wounded (7th August 1918). Sick twice (3 Days, December 1916) (3 months, August – October 1917)
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Badge, General Service Badge, 3 Good Conduct Stripes, 3 Long Service Stripes.
