ADAMS Ernest

Ernest Adams was born in Stourbridge and volunteered for the Worcesters, probably in 1915. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion which was fully involved in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. In July they fought in the second phase starting on the 14th July at Bazentin Wood. In August they took part in the long struggle to capture High Wood. After reinforcements they came back into the line in the attempt to gain the Transloy Ridges. The battle opened at 11 a.m. on the 5th November. The troops had reached the front line by a night march in heavy rain. As they had waited in their trenches, they had to put up with a heavy German barrage and the wind changed to a cold northerly. The attack started exactly on time but the Worcesters came to a halt in a sunken lane. To have stayed would have invited eventual death or capture, but a wounded officer, Lieutenant Eugene Bennett, took up the attack again. The Worcesters bravely rushed forward using shell holes for protection and drove the Germans out of their line. Lt. Bennett was awarded the Victoria Cross, one of only nine for the regiment in the whole war. However, the casualties were high and among those killed was Private Ernest Adams.

Ernest Adams has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Thiepval Memorial.