Phillip James Adams 5700

SAPPER PHILIP JAMES ADAMS 5700 – 1st Tunnelling Company

Philip James Adams was born at Hill End New South Wales (NSW) on 29 March 1876, the son of William Langslow (Langston) Adams and Jane, nee Jeffree.

He married Phoebe Catherine Gilmour at Hamilton, NSW in 1898. Phoebe was the daughter of Archibald and Dinah Gilmour.

The Farmer and Settler – NSW – Saturday 7 November 1914: A CHILD DROWNED. A little chap named Edgar Adams, aged 2½ years, son of a miner at Muswellbrook (N.S.W.) was missed from home on Wednesday night. The Hunter River runs within a hundred yards of the house, and when the search party dragged the stream, the boy's body was discovered in sixteen feet of water.

Philip completed and signed the ‘Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad’ on 2 May 1916. He signed the Oath to ‘well and truly serve’ on the same day at West Maitland. He stated that he was a Miner by trade gave his postal address as Old Hospital, Muswellbrook.

He named as his Next-of-Kin his wife Mrs. Phoebe Catherine Adams of Muswellbrook, NSW, and allotted four-fifths of his pay for the support of his wife and children.

A medical examination at Muswellbrook on 29 April had recorded that he was 39 years and 1 month of age. He was 5ft 8ins tall and weighed 134 lbs, had a dark complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. He was of the Church of England faith.

On 1 June 1916 he joined the Mining Reinforcements at Rosebery Park, Sydney, and on 5 July he was transferred to the Miners Reinforcements camp at Seymour, Victoria. Philip was promoted to Acting Corporal on 23 October 1916.

He embarked for Active Service on Ulysses on 25 October 1916.

516 Tunnellers Reinforcements departed Melbourne, Victoria on October 25, 1916 at 1.30pm aboard the transport HMAT A38 Ulysses, Philip being one of them. The Australian coastline disappeared from view on October 30, 1916 with the port of Durban reached at 11.30am on November 13, 1916. They felt the effects of the wind going around the Cape and arrived at Cape Town at 7am on November 19. Freetown in Sierra Leone was the next port of call where they arrived on 29 November.

Their departure was delayed until December 14, 1916 as it was not safe to proceed further. Ulysses arrived at Plymouth, England on December 28, 1916, after 65 days at sea, with the troops disembarking at 1.30pm and entraining for Tidworth.

5798 Sapper George Oxman, (later of the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company) recorded the voyage in his Diary:

Dec 5. It took 1½ hours to take 1000 men ashore for the afternoon. We have to pay 6d each for the loan of the punts. We were fastened with ropes with one punt to the other coming back, the rope broke and we were drifting out pretty quick but the tug boat soon had us back again. Not too clean of a place. The women stand in a stream and wet their clothes they are washing and place them on a flat stone and then belt into them with a flat piece of wood like a bat.

Dec 9. Had to get some coal and fresh water. The officers went ashore to buy some fruit to sell to us they wouldn’t let us buy off the natives so when they came back with the fruit - none of us would buy it off them. Dec13. 29 Big boats in here now.

Dec 14. Left for England with four other transport auxiliary cruiser escorting us.

Dec 25. On the sea between Gibraltar and England it has been very foggy. We had roast pork for Christmas dinner and some baked scones. They were as hard as rock.

Dec 26. Very foggy torpedo boats came to escort us in the rest of the way. Got our kit bags out of the holds.

Dec 28. We had nothing to eat from 7.30am to 3.30pm. We had to buy some cakes during the last week on the boat. We held the Dead March on a roast they gave us (250 of us) for our dinner. We marched up to the top deck with it, all the rest of the men were watching us and laughing. We got roared up a bit after it but we didn’t care. Got on the train at 4pm. Got to Perham Downs camp at 11pm. Nothing to eat from the military until 8 or 9 the next morning. Then we had two tablespoons of boiled salmon and spuds and a mug of tea. Mud from 1-6 inches deep.

Philip and the other Tunnellers marched in to Details at Perham Downs and on 29 March he marched out of Perham Downs in to the Draft Depot.

He proceeded overseas to France on 9 May and marched in to the Australian General Base Depot (AGBD) the next day. On 17 May 1917 Philip was assigned to the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion, which was an advanced section of the Base Depot.

Formed at La Motte, France on June 6, 1916 with Captain N. Macrae being seconded from the Mining Corps as Adjutant and Quartermaster, the Battalion had an initial strength of 21 Officers and 1003 Other Ranks, mainly Infantry. The Battalion organised works near the lines and through duties would accustom the reinforcements to war conditions before being assigned to a company in the field.

For a time, all infantry reinforcements were drawn from this unit. Heavy losses at Pozieres in July through September 1916 caused all infantry to be directly absorbed into their fighting units.

The Battalion continued to be a transit unit for tunnelling reinforcements and in October 1916 there were 9 officers and 203 men in the Battalion, which now served as a tunnelling company, working with the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company at St Eloi, The Bluff and the Ravine (near Ypres). On 5 November 1917 the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion was abolished.

On 7 August he was promoted to E.D.P. Corporal and on 5 November reverted to Sapper rank.

He was attached to the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company on 20 November 1917. On 11 December he was admitted to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance with chronic bronchitis. He was transferred to the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance on 16 December and then admitted to the 1st Casualty Clearing Station on 20 December.

He was transferred to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station on 30 December and then admitted to the 14th General Hospital at Boulogne on 31 December.

Philip was transferred to England on 2 January 1918 and on 3 January was admitted to the 2nd Eastern General Hospital at Brighton with chronic bronchitis.

On 30 January he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield. He was discharged from hospital to No.2 Command Depot on 8 February.

He left London on 13 March 1918 on board Dunvegan Castle for return to Australia. At Capetown, South Africa he was transferred to the ship Tofua, disembarking in Sydney on 16 June 1918. Philip was discharged from the A.I.F. as medically unfit on 27 July 1918 in Sydney. He was entitled to wear the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

His wife Phoebe died at Muswellbrook in 1921. She died intestate and application was made for Letters of Administration in the name of Philip James Adams. Her furniture and effects were sold by auction on Saturday 6 August 1921.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Friday 15 July 1921: DEATHS The death occurred at Brentwood Hospital yesterday evening of Mrs. P. Adams, of Muswellbrook, at the age of 41 years. Deceased had been ailing for four years. She was the daughter of Mrs. A. Gilmour, and the late Mr. A. Gilmour, of Wallsend, and had resided in Muswellbrook for nine years. A sorrowing widower and three children, Messrs. Phil and Harold Adams, and Miss Lally May Adams, are left to mourn their great loss.

The internment will take place in the Church of England Cemetery tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 3 o’clock.

FUNERAL NOTICE Adams. – The friends of Mr. Phillip Adams and family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his beloved wife and their mother to leave Brentwood Hospital to-morrow (Saturday) at 3 p.m. D. Jordon, Undertaker.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Friday 29 July 1921: RETURN THANKS Mr. P.J. Adams and Family desire to thank all kind friends who sent sympathy cards, letters, and telegrams in connection with our recent sad bereavement in the death of my wife and mother. We also wish to thank Dr. R. Roger, Matron and Nursing Staff at Brentwood Hospital for their unremitting care and attention

The Muswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Tuesday 9 August 1921: BIG CLEARING SALE Furniture & Effects At Residential Chambers, Sowerby Street (Old Hospital) A/C Estate Late Phoebe Catherine Adams. Saturday, 6th August, at 1.30 P.M. Sharp. Edward Higgins Parkinson and Co. will all on above date:- The whole of the Furnishings and Effects at residential Chambers, contained in Dining Rooms, Sitting Rooms, about 10 Bedrooms, 3 Kitchens and Bathrooms, House Linen, Bedding, Cutlery, etc. Also. 1 Overland Motor Car, 5 seater, 25/6 H.P.

The large quantity of Furniture and effects to be sold will not permit of enumerating them in detail, but everything will be cleared without reserve, and the sale will start at 1.20 p.m. Sharp, Saturday next, 6th August.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Tuesday 4 October 1921: Soldiers’ Club Presentation of War Medals An interesting event took place at the Returned Soldiers’ Club on Friday night last, when the general service medals available were distributed to a number of returned soldiers. Cpl. P.J. Adams, Pte. P.A.L. Adams Article Abridged

The Electoral Roll for Muswellbrook for 1930 records Philip as a motor-driver residing at the Royal Hotel, Muswellbrook. In 1936 he is recorded as a caretaker residing at the Showground, Muswellbrook.

In April 1935 his military records were forwarded to the Repatriation Commission, Sydney.

Adams Phillip James died 6 July 1941 at Muswellbrook, NSW. The Musswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Tuesday 8 July 1941: MR. PHILLIP ADAMS The death occurred at Brentwood Hospital early on Sunday morning last of Mr. Phillip Adams, at the age of 65 years. Deceased was a veteran of the Great War, having served in Egypt and France. His two sons, Phillip and Harold, also saw service in the Great War, the former losing a leg as a result of wounds received in action. Sergeant Harold Adams is also at Present engaged in war service, and is in camp at Tamworth. One son, Teddy, was drowned in the Hunter River, near the iron bridge. Deceased suffered for many years as a result of his war services, and was in receipt of a military pension. He and his late wife conducted dancing classes at Muswellbrook prior to the Great War. Following his discharge from military service he engaged in business as a taxi driver, but for the past 10 or 12 years he had been unable to carry out any work owing to ill-health. Deceased was one of the foundation members of the local branch of the returned Soldiers’ Club. At the inaugural meeting the late Mr. Adams and Mr. T.R. Hallett were nominated for the position of first president of the organisation, the ballot favouring the latter. Deceased, who was predeceased by his wife 20 years ago, is survived by two sons, Mr. Phillip Adams and Sgt. Adams, and one daughter. Members of the Returned Soldiers’ Club headed the funeral procession to the Church of England cemetery yesterday afternoon, and afterwards formed a guard of honour at the graveside. Old “Digger” friends, Messrs. A.D. Bower, T.R. Hallett, F McFadden and H. Campion, acted as pall-bearers. The Last Post was sounded by Mr. H.R. Griffiths. The Rev. H. Hampden-Hobart officiated at the graveside.

PRIVATE PHILIP ARCHIBALD LANGSLOW ADAMS 1966 – 30th Infantry Battalion

Philip A.L. Adams, the son of Philip and Phoebe Adams, signed the Attestation Papers on 5 September 1915 stating he was 18 years and one month of age. Official records state his birth was registered at Wallsend, NSW in 1899. He had the consent of both parents to enlist for active service.

A medical examination on the same day at Newcastle recorded that he was 5ft 5ins tall; weighed 116 lbs; had a fair complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He gave his occupation as ‘screen hand’ and named as his Next-of-Kin his father, Philip Adams of Selby Street, Muswellbrook. He signed the Oath on 19 September and was appointed to Reinforcements of the 30th Battalion. His initial training was with the Reinforcements until 29 December when he was transferred to the 3rd Reinforcements of the 30th Battalion.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle Wednesday October 27, 1915: The Muswellbrook ChroniclePRESENTATION Wednesday October TO 27, PRIVATE 1915: ADAMS On SaturdayCont. night last, about fifty friends of private Adams, who is home on sick leave, assembled at his parents’ residence,Mr P. Adams, on the father invitation of the of guest Mr H. of Hughes, the evening, (on behalf desired of theto say employees a few words at the on local behalf colliery). of his son. He did not Mr W. Jaegerwish occupied to stand inthe his chair. boy’s way seeing he was so keen on being a soldier, and he was not sorry he was letting him The proceedingsgo, the openedonly regret with was the thatsinging he had of the not National half a dozen Anthem. more boys to send to defend this beautiful country of ours. A substantialHe wasspread pleased was provided to see such and aafter large full gathering, justice had for been it showed done thereto, that this the boy usual was loyal well toasts liked. were Mr drunkF. Stewart had also “Therequested Allies.” Songshim to were ask renderedhis son to by accept Messrs a pairH. Hughes, of field E. glasses, Lea, E. on Clark, account B. Berry of his and being Stan a McMahon.“white man” to work Mr Gardner,with. in proposingHe thanked “Our Mr StewartGuest,” forpaid his a presentwarm tribute and assured to the highhim hispersonal son would qualities treasure of Private the gift. Adams and complimentsThe himopportunity upon his was pluck availed in enlisting of to wish or activesuccess service, to Pte C.to Wilkins,fight for sonthe ofEmpire Mr J. and Wilkins, those hewho being were present on unable to leavego. If fromthe Germans camp on ever account got to ofAustralia sickness, they and would the chairmanrepeat the askedatrocities Mr which E. Lea they to hadpropose committed the health in of Pte Belgium, Wilkins,Poland, Francewhich wasand elsewhere.drunk with musicalHe asked honors. the company to charge their glasses and drink to toast to the tune of “HeroesPte C. Wilkinsof the Dardanelles.” suitably returned thanks. He said the life for him was camp life, and he hoped he would soon be Messrs A.in Bourke, the firing H. line.Hughes, Pte andAdams E. Clark was a endorsed mate of his what in camp,had been and said one by could the previousnot wish speakerfor a better and mate expressed (Cheers). the hope thatThe Privatetoast “The Adams Heroes would of thereturn Dardanelles,” with the coveted was drunk V.C. withon his musical breast. honors. The toast Songshaving were been then enthusiastically rendered by honouredMessrs B. Private Berry andAdams E. Clark. suitable replied. Mr H. HughesThe toast then of presented “the Press” Pte was Adams duly with honoured a handsome and responded military towristlet by a representative watch on behalf of this of hispaper. friends and hoped thatThe whenever health of he“The looked Chairman” at it he having would been remember drunk the the proceedings pleasant associations closed with with the singing his friends of the at National Muswellbrook.Anthem Pte and Adams Auld brieflyLang Syne. returned The thanks. musical accompaniments were ably played by Mrs P. Adams. Thanks are due to Mr and Mrs Adams, Mr H. Hughes and all who assisted for the mannerCont. in which the proceedings were carried out. The tables were tastefully decorated and altogether the gathering was one of the most enjoyable yet held here. Philip embarked for active service from Sydney on 16 February 1916 on board HMAT A70 Ballarat. Disembarking at Suez on 23 March, he was a member of the 8th Training Battalion, Zeiton, when he proceeded to join the 30th Battalion at Ferry Post, near Suez, where he was taken on strength on 1 April 1916.

He embarked on Hororata at Alexandria on 16 June to join the British Expeditionary Force, disembarking at Marseilles, France on 23 June.

Philip was reported as ‘Missing in action’ on 20 July 1916 during an attack on German trenches 2000 yards North West of Fromelles. The 30th Battalion War Diary for that day records the Battalions casualties, from a strength of 29 officers and 927 Other Ranks, as: killed: 3 officers and 51 O.R.s; wounded: 5 officers and 224 O.R.s; missing: 68 O.R.s.

Later that day Philip was admitted to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station suffering shell shock. On 21 July he was admitted to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital at Boulogne and on 26 July he was transferred to the 1st Convalescent Depot, returning to duty on 6 August via the 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot and rejoining his unit on 5 September.

On 27 September 1916, with the Battalion strengthening defences in the Houpline Trenches, Philip was wounded in action (2nd occasion) and was admitted to the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station suffering from three gunshot wounds, (one severe).

The Sydney Morning Herald of Monday 23 October 1916 reported the 237th List of Casualties; Pte. P.A.L. Adams, Muswellbrook, is listed as ‘improving’.

On 24 October he was transferred to the 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux, and on 27 October he was evacuated to England on board Jan Breydel suffering gun shot wound to the neck. On 31 October he was admitted to the Military Hospital, Edmonton, suffering ‘gun shot wound right foot amputation’. He was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield on 14 November.

Philip was transferred to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital, Southall on 8 January 1917. On 5 April he was discharged from hospital for return to Australia.

He left London on 4 May 1917 on board Themistocles for repatriation and discharge due to amputation of his right leg, disembarking in Sydney on 5 July 1917. Philip was discharged from the A.I.F. as medically unfit on 19 November 1917 in Sydney, entitled to wear the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The Muswellbrook Chronicle Saturday July 14, 1917: The Muswellbrook Chronicle SaturdayWELCOME July 14, 1917:HOME TO PRIVATE PHIL ADAMS JustCont. two years ago a bright, red-cheeked, 16 year old lad reckoned it was up to him to be doing his bit at the frontEuchre as waswell played as his olderuntil aboutfellow 11 Australians. p.m. by about He had20 players, been fired and with at the enthusiasm close handsome through trophies, reading broughtof deeds byof Ptethe GallipoliAdams from heroes. the war His front,father werehad already presented gone to andthe mostit became successful a stiff players.task to obtain Refreshments, the maternal excellent consent. in qualityIn due courseand ample his good in quantity mother (suppliedlet him go, by recognizing the ladies) that were there handed was noround stopping and mucha boy enjoyed.of his wonderful At an intervaldetermination. in the Now,dancing, though at the not request quite of18 the years—the organiser minimum of the social age Mrat which G.F. Rixon a recruit presented will now Pte be Adams taken—he with ais pocket back home wallet, a war-scarredas a memento hero of thecrippled occasion by theand loss of his of friend’sa leg in appreciation battle, and withof the the courage reputation and manlinessof having hebeen had one shown of the in pluckiestenlisting boysfor active on the service front. to fight for Australia, the Empire, and the liberty of the nations of the world. ThereMesdames was aBeckingham tremendous and crowd T. Jones at the were railway promoters station ofto thewelcome social. him home on Saturday afternoon. Drawn up to do honor to their old comrade were the local cadets, from whose ranks he practically stepped into the firing line. Lieutenant Wilmot was in charge and Lieutenants A. Budden and Trickett (of Denman) were also in attendance. As the returned hero, escorted by the Mayor limped down the steps he was greeted with a tremendous cheer. After the Mayor had extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the townspeople, a procession was formed by the Band, the Cadets, the Mayor’s car in which were Private Adams and his mother and the Mayor and Mayoress. Following them came the Miners, numerous cars and vehicles and a great number of the general public on foot. At the old Hospital, where Mrs Adams resides a reception had been organised by Mrs Hill, Lieutenant Wilmot, and numerous friends. The building had been gaily decorated for the occasion, flags of welcome being much in evidence. After refreshments had been provided for a large number of guests by Mrs Hill and her assistants, the Mayor extended a further welcome to Private Adams whom he was delighted to see back. All Muswellbrook was proud of their little hero. Mr Reid, President of the Muswellbrook Branch of the Miners’ Federation, added his words of welcome on behalf of Phil’s former co-workers who were delighted beyond measure to see him, Lieutenant Wilmot proposed the health of Mrs Adams and in replying on her behalf, Mr Kelly emphasised the fact that an outstanding feature of the war had been the heroism of the mothers and wives of the soldiers. Mr Broderick proposed the health of other returned heroes whom he could see in that gathering. This was supported by Mr Kelly who made reference to the Repatriation Scheme for raising thirty millions of money for giving all returned soldiers a good financial start on the land in business, in trade, or in whatever calling the soldier cared to follow. This toast was responded to by Privates J.H. Toumey, J. Day and F.E. Morrissey. After the assemblage had carried by acclamation a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Hill for the admirable manner in which she had worked up the reception, proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem. In a brief chat Private Adams, who has grown, filled-out and looks uncommonly well, related that he was three months in Egypt, then went into action in Northern France where on July 19th, 1916, after a charge he sustained injuries through being buried in a fall of earth caused by an exploding shell. After three weeks in hospital he was back again in the firing line. On the 27th September, 1916, a shrapnel shell burst near him, a piece of the shell imbedding itself in his neck and a piece in his leg. He was at the Clearing Station for a month, where the wound on his neck healed and every effort made to save his leg; but unfortunately complications set in and it had to be amputated. From there he was sent to the 2nd Australian Hospital in Boulogne, and thence to Edmonton, in Middlesex. He left for Australia on last Good Friday, but the boat caught fire coming out of Plymouth and had to put back for repairs, finally leaving on the 4th of May. They had on board 100 men with either a leg or an arm off each. Two privates had each lost both legs but were making such wonderful progress with artificial limbs that one could hardly tell the difference. Altogether the crowd, which included Private Jackson, V.C., was a cheerful and happy one and their treatment aboard ship had been all that could be desired. They were given a really good time by the people at Durban (South Africa) and at West Australia. Amongst the many to greet them at Sydney was Miss Ada Reeve, the great Vaudeville artiste, who stands high in the esteem of the Australian boys for the tremendous sums that she raised to keep going a thing of real good—the Anzac Buffet. Unfortunately Private Adams is still under Hospital treatment with the possibility of another operation. Just two weeks before he left he saw his father, who broke up a good deal at seeing him. He had also seen many of the Muswellbrook boys, who were all doing well. On Wednesday night Pte Adams was entertained at a welcome social in the School of Arts. There was a large attendance. Dancing was indulged in to music supplied by the local Band, Misses Wilton, Spilsted and Weldmann, and Master Adams (violin) until the small hours of the morning. Cont. Philip married Olive I King in 1918 at Muswellbrook.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle – NSW – Saturday 25 September 1920: LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. SOLDIERS' BALLOT. The ballot for cottage and land, donated by Mrs. Jane Wilson, and two allotments of land donated by Messrs. E. and A. Bowman, took place on Thursday afternoon, at the drill hall, in the presence of the Trustees and representatives of the R.S. and S.I. League. The numbers were drawn by Majorie Rixon, with the following result:— Cottage and land, Mr. P. A. L. Adams ; allotments of land, Mr. C. Holmes ; allotment of land, Mr. D. R. Fleming. There were 36 applicants for the lots, and the winners are to be congratulated on their good fortune.

In November 1920 details of his military service, injuries and treatment were provided to the Grand Secretary, G.U.O.O.F., Sydney.

Olive I. Adams died at Muswellbrook in 1923.

Philip married Olives’ younger sister, Una Doris King, in 1925 at Wickham.

It is known that in 1927, Philip was a member of the Lodge Prince of Wales No.102, Muswellbrook. The Electoral Roll for the years 1930 through 1943 record Philip as a winch-driver in Muswellbrook, residing 56 Brentwood Street with his wife Una.

In March 1942 Philips’ military history was forwarded to the Repatriation Commission, Sydney.

In 1949, as well as Philip and Una, Edgar James Adams, a turner by trade, is at the same address. 1954 through 1963 Philip and Una are still at 56 Brentwood Street and Edgar James and Rita Maud Adams are living at 19 Wilson Street, Muswellbrook.

Una Doris Adams died in NSW in 1979.

Philip Archibald Langston Adams died in NSW in 1980. A second son of Philip James Adams, HAROLD JAMES ADAMS, served as a Sergeant in World War 2. N74853 Sgt Adams was born at Wallsend on 23 November 1899. He enlisted at Newcastle, NSW on 5 July 1940, giving his address as Denman, NSW. He named his wife Myra Adams as his Next-of-Kin.

Harold was discharged on 27 September 1944 having served with the Infantry Training Battalion.

© Donna Baldey 2013 www.tunnellers.net with the assistance of Helen Wood. Helen is working on an Anzac Centenary publication of WW1 service personnel from Hill End & Tambaroora, NSW, and can be contacted through the ‘Contact Us’ link on this website.