Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas James ADAMS and Mary Ann ADAMS, Murgon, Queensland

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'During the attack on the Beaurevoir Line, east of Peronne, on 3 October, 1918, he volunteered to go with Sergeant Cox, and together they rushed an enemy post containing three machine guns and about 50 enemy. He carried his Lewis gun, and during the advance used it from the hip, firing so accurately that the enemy fire was kept down. Together, these two non-commissioned officers captured the entire post and killed ten of the enemy. He showed fine courage and did splendid work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20
Date: 19 February 1920

The death occurred in the Nanango District Hospital on Monday of Mr. David James Adams at the age of 51 years.
The deceased who came from Manumbar was a native of Bundaberg.
The funeral took place to the Nanango cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. W. Ashton officiating. Mr. A. B. Sargent conducted the funeral arrangements.

Mr. David James Adams, a well known and well respected personality in the Elgin Vale and Manumbar districts, passed away in the Nanango Hospital at the age, of 51. Born in  Bundaberg, he later took up bullock driving around Murgon. From there he enlisted in the first A.I.F., becoming No. 1 Lewis Gunner in the 25th Battalion and winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The following extract from the "London Gazette" of 2nd December 1919 relates 'the act of gallantry for which the award was made':
"No. 5892 Lance-Corporal D. J.
Adams, D.C.M-.
"During the attack on the Beuurevoir Line, east of Peronne, On the 3rd October, 1918, he volunteered to go with Sergeant Cox and together they rushed an enemy post containing three machine guns and about 50 enemy. He carried his Lewis gun, and during the advance used it from the hip, firing so accurately that the enemy fire was kept down.
Together, these two non-commisioned officers captured the entire post and killed ten of the enemy, he showed fine courage and did splendid work." 
Coming home, he returned to his bullock driving, working for Mr. W. Houston at Blackbutt for about twelve months. Later he was at Elgin Vale for about eleven years and at  Manumbar for nine. During these years, lie worked with the bullocks, only leaving them for less strenuous work when, the effects of the war on his health could no longer he denied.
Quiet and unassuming, and a good sportsman and dancer, he was greatly esteemed by all who knew him and who will miss his cheery company.
The funeral service was conducted -by Rev- W. Ashton in the Nanango Presbyterian Church on Tuesday afternoon and was attended by comrades, of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and many  friends. The casket was covered by the flag that he had served so well, and the pall bearers were his brother Jack and three of his comrades. Many floral wreaths were on the  casket. The deceased is survived by five brothers, Jack (Helidon), George (Murgon), Archie, Wally and Arthur (Sam) of Manumbar Mill. The funeral arrangements were handled by  Mr. A. B. Sargent.

He is not dead whose glorious mind
Lifts thine on high.
To live in minds we leave behind
Is not to die.

Coming home, he returned to his bullock driving, working for Mr W Houston at Blackbutt for about twelve months. Later he was at Elgin Vale for about eleven years and at manumbar for nine. During these years, he worked with the bullocks, only leaving them for less strenuous work when the effects of the war on his health could no longer be denied. Quiet and unassuming, and a good sportsman and dancer, he was greatly esteemed by all who knew him.

He was survived by five brothers, Jack, George, Archie, Wally and Arthur.

David James Adams was from Bundaberg, Queensland and was in the 25th Battalion. His service number was 5892. David survived the War and returned to Australia in 1919. David James Adams' occupation was a Lorry Driver at the time of enlistment and he was also not married at that point in time. His next of kin was his mother Mary Anne.

His war service was at the Western Front and Gallipoli. He embarked on the boat, HMAT BOONAH A36 on the 21st of October 1916.

David James Adams' last rank was Private. He had a dinstictive mole on his stomach. On the 10th of May 1917, he went to hospital because he was ill.

He received the following medals during World War 1: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, and Victory Medal. He earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the attack on the Beaurevoir Line, east of Peronne, on 3 October, 1918.

He volunteered to go with Sergeant Cox, and together they "rushed an enemy post containing three machine guns" and about 50 enemy soldiers. He carried his Lewis gun and during the advance, used it from the hip, "firing so accurately that the enemy return fire was kept down. Together, these two non-commissioned officers captured the entire post and killed ten of the enemy" troops. He showed fine courage and did splendid work.