Rank: CPT Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 37 – 41, Item: 1967, PDF: B0037-SO31. Date of Birth 07/12/1894 at Brantford, ON. The son of George E. Adams – Victoria Ave with his wife, Mary Adams of 317 Victoria, Ave., Chatham, ON, where William was living prior to enlisting. He was working as an architect, as well as serving as an officer in the 24th Kent Regiment. He enlisted in the 91st Bn. on 12 January, 1916, later transferring to the 186th Battalion, 28/02/16.   

Officers Declaration:- ADAMS, William Boyden. Born at Brantford, ON. Present address:  317 Victoria Ave., Chatham, ON. Next of Lin: Mary Adams – same address relationship: Mother. An Architecture. 24^th Kent Regt.

Overseas Expeditionary Force:- YES. W. B. Adams. Medical, “Fit” 12/01/1916 at St. Thomas. {not married}. Scar from Scild on right leg above ankle 

Medical exam: Captain ADAMS, William Boyden. 4^th Bn. Physique: Good. Weight: 160 #, Height: 5’ 11 ½”, Pulse: 78, Vision: 6/6 both, Hearing: Good. Urine: 10 20. Examined at Witley 31/03/19.

Overseas unit: 91^st CEF: 186^th Bn. overseas. Medical Board: at Camp Borden 13/09/16. Routine Chatham, ON. 8/03/17. 19/12/17 Lieut. Adams was granted a 14 day leave.

Embarked from Canada at Halifax 28/03/17 aboard S.S. Lapland. Debarked England at Liverpool 7/04/17. Reported at Bramshott 7/04/17 to 4^th Bn. Proceeded: O/S 13/08/17. 18/05/17 Acting Captain (temp) for Capt. W. Renton – Sick.

Lieutenant William Adams transferred to the 186th. Battalion and after training in Canada went overseas with this unit arriving in England April 7th, 1917. He proceeded to France in August, transferring to the 1st. Battalion. For conspicuous bravery, Lieutenant Adams was awarded the Military Cross in June, 1918, and shortly afterwards attached to the First Brigade, Canadian Infantry, as Brigade Bombing Officer.

He was in France – 13/03/18 – Gazetted 1/06/18. Date of Service 25/03/17  25/03/17 11/08/17 and 10/05/19 in France.

It appeared his sister Miss Rhoda Gertrude Adams c/o Dominion Steel & Foundry Co. was keeping the books for Lieut. Adams and was being paid $40.00 for the service,

1/06/18 Lieut. Adams was promoted to Acting Captain 11/10/18.

Transferred back to 1st Battalion about the last of September as O.C. A Cy, with Battalion to Germany and back to Belgium. Transferred to Regt Depot, England, March 1919. Returned to Canada June 1st, 1919. He was promoted to Captain June 1918.

Relinquished rank of Captain. 1/02/19. Sailed for Canada 10/05/1919. SOS TO Canada 19/06/19.  

It was reported that Lieut. was awarded the Military Cross – Awarded 3/06/1918. Temporary Captain 1/03/1919.       

Discharged owing to Demobilization June 1st, 1919.

He is mentioned in an article that appeared in the Chatham Daily Planet of 8/12/1917 which I posted on the CEF study group under Halstead and Taylor.  J.R. Hind.

Adams, William Boyden passed away 24/01/1958.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	MC
Sources	Chatham Daily Planet (26-05-1917), Chatham Daily Planet (02-07-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (26-05-1919), Chatham Daily Planet (29-05-1919), Victor Lauriston - Romantic Kent - The Story of a County 1626-1952, LAC

Height	5' 11 1/5"
Weight	160 lbs. lbs
Eye Colour	Blue
Age	25
Complexion	Dark
Hair	Black
Race	White
Birthplace	Brantford, Ontario
Religion	Presbyterian
Last Place of Employment	Adams and Adams, Architects, Chatham
Marital Status	Single
When Enlisted	November 1915
Where Enlisted	St. Thomas, Ontario
Next of Kin	Mother- Mrs. Mary Adams, Chatham

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