The AIF Project

William George ADAMS

Regimental number2551
Date of birth25 January 1897
Place of birthSingleton, New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationActing fireman
AddressJohn Street, Singleton, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19.6
Height5' 8.5"
Weight152 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Annie Adams, John Street, Singleton, New South Wales
Previous military serviceServed in the Militia.
Enlistment date8 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 9 August 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll43rd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 10 May 1919
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions. When his battalion was moving up to support the front line, through a heavy barrage, his control and leadership averted many casualties. After digging in, he went forward and found another company being surrounded by the enemy; he extricated them, and held a position further back for two hours against heavy odds. His courage and judgment throughout the operation were beyond praise.'
Source: Commonwealth Gazette No 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Mention in Despatches


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went forward and made a personal reconnaissance. During an enemy counter-attack, when the troops on his left fell back, he moved his company forward under a heavy barrage to a position where they protected the withdrawal and re-organized them into a defensive line which eventually checked and localised the attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 130
Date: 24 September 1918

Discharge date31 August 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia (with wife) from Tilbury on board HT 'Wahehe', 10 May 1919; appointment terminated (discharged: termination of period of enlistment), 31 August 1920.

Medals: Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II: Service No NX42.
SourcesNAA: B2455, ADAMS William George

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