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John George Adams - Information

John George Adams, known as Jack, was born on the 29th of October 1888 in Werombi. His father George John was born in Luddenham, and eventually settled in Werombi with his wife Jane. Jack grew up in the area with his many siblings and found work as a labourer. As the fighting at Gallipoli progressed, the lives of the Adams family would change. Jack’s little brother, Edwin, enlisted in the AIF in late August, and was quickly followed by Jack, who joined up on the 30th of August in Holsworthy, aged 26. Both Jack and Edwin were assigned to the 14th Reinforcements, 1st Light Horse Regiment as Troopers. To show their appreciation, the locals gave Jack and Edwin a farewell social at Werombi Sports Ground. After training, John and Edwin departed Sydney Harbour onboard the RMS Osterley on the 15th of January 1916.

Disembarking in Egypt, Jack and Edwin were taken on strength to the 1st Light Horse Reserve Regiment in Heliopolis. A few days later, Jack was appointed Shoeing Smith. The following month, Jack and Edwin were transferred to the 5th Division Artillery at Tel-el-Kebir Camp. They were then posted as Gunners to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column at Ferry Post. In May, Edwin was stationed to No. 3 Section, and Jack to No. 1. On the 18th of June, Jack and Edwin left Alexandria for Marseilles in France. They were quickly introduced to the devastation of the Western Front, while delivering vital ammunition supplies for operations. This was arduous and dangerous work, as the columns were often exposed to enemy fire at the front. Keeping up with changing artillery positions, especially throughout campaigns was taxing. In late July 1918, Jack was admitted to hospital with influenza, rejoining his unit in early September. After the war ended in November, Jack was transported to England. He was then sent home on the Orontes on the 15th of May 1919. He reached Australia and was discharged from military service in late August. John returned to his family and reunited with his younger brother, Edwin. In 1922, Jack married his sweetheart Annie Butler in Kogarah. They began their life together when Jack sadly passed away in Narellan in 1932, aged only 44.