Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams 7721, is born on 18 February 1885, in Durham, Ontario. Son of Thomas and Maria Adams, of Pontypool, Ontario. He is a Brakeman. Began his service by attesting 5 February 1915, in Toronto. Firstly, joins the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Robert stood 5’10” tall. He has fair complexion. Robert also has brown eyes and dark hair. He was Wesleyan. Robert first serves in a howitzer battery. Then, he serves with ‘E’ Anti-Aircraft Battery, Canadian Field Artillery. His unit attaches to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in the Great War.
Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams
Robert Elmer Adams embarks Canada on 14 February 1915. Firstly, on 25 June 1915, he transfers to Reserve Brigade, CFA. Secondly, posted to 3rd Battery, Shorncliffe, 26 June 1915. Thirdly, transfers to 8th Howitzer Battery, on 27 September 1915. Then, on 1 October 1915, to 31st Battery, at Otterpool. Now, known as 23rd Battery, in the 6th Howitzer Brigade.
Robert’s medical file is rather short. Firstly, on 3 January 1916, admits himself to Tent Hospital, Shorncliffe. “Chancroid”, Robert treated for VD. Secondly, transfers to Barnwell Military Hospital, in Cambridge. Finally, he discharges on 13 January 1916.
Western Front
With a clean bill of health, Robert Elmer Adams embarks for France. Though, Robert makes another rare mistake. He immediately proceeds to camp. Robert should have had remained with his unit. And helped to unload the ship. What he was thinking, we will never know. Finally, found in camp, confined to barracks for fourteen days.
Posted to 5th Brigade, CFA, in the field, 21 May 1916. Robert catches up with his unit at Dickebusch, Belgium. Though in the rear area, the German artillery is hammering the back country. He remains in the village of Dickebusch, until moving to La Clytte, 1 August 1916.
In September 1916, Robert’s unit moves to the Somme. They fight in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The 5th Brigade remains in Contalmaison, and Pozieres during October and November. In early December, the unit moves to Hersin. The Canadian Corps is here since the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Robert’s last actions with the 5th Brigade comes at Aix-Noulette, firing upon Liévin.
‘E’ Anti-Aircraft Battery
On 14 January 1917, Robert joins ‘E’ Anti-Aircraft Battery, 8th Army Brigade, C.F.A. The 8th Brigade also attached to the British Expeditionary Force.
Robert joins one of the most active units on the Western Front. They are constantly engaged with the enemy. However, inclement weather can afford them a day off from time to time. Because, if the cloud cover is too low, the planes simply do not fly. Later, even on Dominion Day, as the Canadian Corps is enjoying the Sports Competitions, the AA Battery is at their posts. Ensuring the safety of the Corps.
The only other times when Robert is not at his post, is when he proceeds to AA School for course of instruction, 15 July 1917. Then, again, in late September, Robert proceeds to Canadian Corps Gas School. Finally, he rejoins his unit from Gas School, on 6 October 1917.
Final German Spring Offensive
In a rare quiet period, Robert granted 14 days leave, on 13 March 1918. However, when he returns, the Final German Spring Offensive is into it’s second week. Over his former location at Contalmaison, Rittmeister Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen scores his 69th victory. Lt. Allan McNab Denovan in a S.E.5a, brought down by the Red Baron’s Fokker DR.I, on 26 March 1918.
Always, Robert works hard in the field. His promotions soon follow. Firstly, promoted Acting Bombardier, on 27 April 1918. Secondly, promoted, this time to Bombardier, on 15 June 1918.
July 1918, the AA Battery is constantly in the line. Unfortunately, Robert’s No.2 Section has to change locations often. Their position is being reported to the German artillery. They are shelled a few times. No one is hurt.
Battle of the Scarpe
In August 1918, the fine weather means the AA Battery is engaged every day. Robert’s unit is not involved in the Battle of Amiens. Remember, his unit is attached to the BEF. However, the Canadian Corps returns to the Arras sector following the battle for the Battle of the Scarpe.
During the Battle of the Scarpe, Robert’s unit is now west of Arras. At Jigsaw Wood, Fampoux, on 28 August 1918, Robert’s AA Battery engages 19 planes.
The following day, they engage only five planes. In the battle, No.2 Section is on lookout duty. However, they are heavily shelled. Tragically, eight men are wounded. And, one man is killed. At his post, Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams, is killed-in-action, 29 August 1918.
Sucrerie Cemetery, Ablain St.-Nazaire
Robert is buried the next day at Sucrerie Cemetery, Ablain St.-Nazaire, France. He lies in Plot V, Row E, Grave 13. Sucrerie Cemetery is named for a sugar factory, but destroyed in the Great War. Then, it was replaced by a farm. But first, the cemetery was begun in April 1917, next to a large French Military Cemetery. And, following the Armistice, the French graves were moved to Notre Dame de Lorette.
Sucrerie was “open” until October 1918. Firstly, it was called Saskatchewan Cemetery. Secondly, in accordance with the Canadian practice, it was numbered CD 43. Meaning, the 43rd cemetery opened for the 4th Canadian Division.
Most of the graves at Sucrerie date to the early 1920’s. However, few have been refurbished. Further, many are near illegible. Finally, the weather, and the condition of his headstone, provided a opportunity for a photo, on 16 August 2019.
Lastly, note the date of Robert’s death. Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams died 102 YEARS AGO TODAY.
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Comments
3 Responses to “Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams in the Great War”
It’s always nice when you can provide photos of the individuals. I’ve been searching for over 20 years for photos of my family.
It is so sad to know you that so many men died doing their duty. Thank you for bringing some of them back to life in your posts.
May they all, on both sides Rest in Eternal Peace.
[…] first man of the 1st Battalion to be buried in Upton Wood Cemetery. He lies in Row A, Grave 2. Like Sucrerie Cemetery in Ablain-St. Nazaire, many of the headstones in Upton date to the early 1920’s. It is […]