ADAMS, Ernest

Ernest Adams was born in Stourbridge and attended St. John's School. He volunteered for the Worcesters, probably in 1915 and was posted to the 2nd Battalion. It was very actively involved in the 1916 Battle of the Somme, fighting in July 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 Bennett MC, 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 seven for the regiment in the whole war. But the casualties were high and among those killed was Private Ernest Adams who is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge and St. John's Church and School Memorials.