Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Soldier Biography: Vivian Douglas Adams

By: Alex Marciano

Vivian Douglas Adams was an Australian soldier, who enlisted into the Australian Military on 4th February 1915. He was recruited into the 25th infantry Battalion, which formed one of the subunits of the 7th infantry brigade. The 25th battalion mainly had people from Queensland, but also small number from Darwin.

Vivian Adams was born in the town of Thargomindah, Queensland. He was born a British subject, and at the time of recruitment was 19 years and 7 months old. Vivian Adams was working as a clerk, although it is not known where he was working.

His parents were John Yourne Adams and Jane Adams, of Albert Street, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland. Vivian’s brother, William Henry Adams, also fought and died in WWI.

Vivian listed the next of kin on his enlistment form as Mrs J Adams (his mother, Jane Adams), who at the time of recruitment was residing at Corailia Street, South Australia.

When recruited, it is unknown what rank Vivian started at, however presumably as a private. It is stated on the Casualty Form for Vivian that he was promoted to rank of Sergeant on 15th May 1915. It also noted that his service would be for the “duration of war and 4 months thereafter”. His Regimental Service Number was 283.

On the 31st of October 1915, Vivian Adams was killed in action by a bomb. The document that confirms this was signed by Major Cyril J Griffiths, on the 7th of November, 1915. Vivian was most probably killed straight away by the bomb, since there isn’t any information suggesting otherwise.

A letter addressed to Mr. J. Y. Adams (Vivian’s father), who was still living in their family home in Thargomindah, on 5th May 1921, explains what happened to his sons’ body. In the letter it is written that Vivian’s body had been exhumed and moved, presumably from a temporary grave, to “Embarkation Pier Cemetery, about 1½ miles North of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli”. It is noted on the letter that the exhumation was overseen by a Chaplain and carried out with “every measure of care and reverence”. The Embarkation Pier Cemetery is the final resting place for many dead soldiers who were brought in after the Armistice from various other cemeteries and isolated graves.

A letter from the Officer in charge of the base records to Headquarters, 1st District Base, Victoria Barracks dated 19th January 1923, was written on behalf of Vivian’s mother, Mrs. Jane Adams. She was seeking the Memorial Plaques for both of her deceased sons.

It is noted in this letter, that there was a message firstly sent to Vivian Adams’ father, John Adams, regarding the memorial plaques and the transmission of them. Jane Adams wanted to notify Headquarters that her husband was gone, and his whereabouts were unknown. She stated that he had left the family home 2 years prior.

It is not clear from the sources found whether there were other living family members. However, it is evident by mothers’ efforts to obtain the memorial plaque of her son Vivian Adams (and his brother), that he remained in her memory years after being killed. Also, perhaps the father had left the family home as a direct impact of two sons dying in war, although this can’t be proved.

Son of John Yourne and Jane Adams, Albert Street, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Quensland, and native of Thargomindah, Queensland

Brother of 611 Pte William Henry Adams (/explore/people/52561), 2nd Light Horse Regiment, killed in action, 29 May 1915