Edgar Copley Adams MID

Personal Information
Date of Birth	13 Feb 1882
Place of Birth	Laura, South Australia
Death	13 Mar 1968
Place of Death	Northam, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment	34 years, 3 months
Description	5'8" (1.73m) tall; weight 152 lbs (68.9 kg)
Occupation	Railway station master
Religion	Church of England
Address	157 Hamersley road, Subiaco, Western Australia
Next of Kin	wife Mrs Edith Annie Adams
Military Information
Date of Enlistment	7 Mar 1916
Rank	Captain
Unit/Formation	44th Battalion, Headquarters / 11th Brigade, 3rd Division
Date of Embarkation	6 Jun 1916 - 21 Jul 1916
Ship Embarked On	HMAT A29 Suevic
Date of Return	28 Feb 1919 - 7 Apr 1919
Ship Returned On	HMAT A68 Anchises
Fate	Wounded in Action 27 May 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux Returned to Australia
Medals	Mentioned in Despatches British War Medal Victory Medal

Pre War

On 14 Mar 1906 in Mundijong he married Edith Annie Rowett. Their son Edgar Mervyn was born in Mundijong in 1909, and died aged 11 in Armadale on 6 Jan 1921.

Had previous service in Militia with the 84th Infantry Battalion, including qualifying for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant.

Electoral Roll entries - 1903 - 1909 railway porter Mundijong; 1910 Brunswick Junction, night stationmaster; 1912 - 1914 Station House, Kamballie, station master; 1916 at 157 Hamersley road, Subiaco.

War Service

On joining the 44th Battalion he was appointed Signals Officer.

With the 44th Battalion at Larkhill from 27 Jul 1916 until in August / September 1916 when he undertook training at the School of Instruction. Proceeded overseas to France via Southampton on 25 Nov 1916.

On 30 Mar 1917 he was promoted to Captain and given command of D Company. 16 Sep 1917 to hospital sick (debility) and sent to the ANZAC Officers Rest House until 25 Sep 1917. Returned to 39th General Hospital in Le Havre on 5 Oct 1917 via 15th Casualty Clearing Station with Syphilis. Discharged from hospital 20 Nov 1917 and returned to his unit on 3 Dec 1917.

Wounded in Action 27 May 1918 in the line near Villers-Bretonneux but remained on duty. Granted leave in England in Jun 1918, after which he was seconded for duty to the 9th Training Battalion.

His appointment was terminated on 26 May 1919.

Award Comment

Mentioned in Despatches. "Work at Ploegsteert Wood on 30 Mar 1917.

" Commendation of Divisional Commander for meritorious and gallant service rendered, viz:- At PLOEGSTEERT on the 30th March, 1917, the enemy severely bombarded FORT BOYD with High Explosive. During the bombardment a Bomb store in the Fort was set on fire. Lieutenant E.C. Adams realising the serious danger that was imminent, at once went to the Bomb store, in spite of the fact that a number of smoke bombs were already alight and several Mills grenades had exploded, and succeeded in moving many cases of bombs to a place of safety. He scattered the remaining loose bombs and covered them with sand which happened to be there in bags. His prompt action and coolness in acting in the manner in which he did, not only saved the majority of the bombs, but averted what might have been a serious loss of life. He set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.".

Post War

Other children were Joan, Rex, and Roma, born to 2nd wife Hilda Amelia, who was born 16 Jan 1919, and died 17 Feb 2004, aged 85.

In WW2 served as a Captain with the 5th Garrison Battalion and at Western Command Headquarters.

In 1952 Edgar made an application for a War Services Home.

Electoral Roll entries - 1925 Station house, Burswood; 1931 at 87 Forrest street, North Perth unemployed; 1936 - 1939 187 Rokeby road, Subiaco, store keeper; 1943 79 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, military officer; 1954 'The Meadows' York road, Seabrook, accountant; 1963 121 Chidlow street, Northam.

External Links

• AIF Project
• RSL Memorial