Lives of the First World War

Capt. A. de BELS ADAM, M.C., 18th Battalion, THE KING'S (LIVERPOOL REGIMENT). THE toll of the war was levied in a particularly cruel degree on some families. Thus, of three sons of the late Mr. John Adam and Mrs. Adam, of Brook Meadow, Hooton, near Chester, two gave up their lives and one was wounded very severely. Of Captain Arthur de Bels Adam, M.C., it may be said that, while his life had been devoted mainly to commercial pursuits, he had all the qualities of a born soldier. Before the war he had been for five years attached to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, retiring therefrom two or three years before that fateful month of August, 1914, on account of business calls. But when the war came he was one of the first officers chosen for the 18th Liverpools. Up to that time he had been engaged as partner in his father's firm, Messes. J.L. Bowes & Bro., for whom he had travelled in the States and India at various times. He also took a practical interest in outdoor sport, and was secretary of the Royal Rock Beagles for several years, and a member of two packs of otter hounds. On three occasions he won the Cheshire Beagles point-to-point race in record time. In 1915 he went with the "Pals" to France, and in January the following year was awarded the Military Cross for the manner in which he had organised his defences and handled his men during an attack by the Germans. The enemy made a bombing raid in strength, but Captain Adam and his men gave them such a warm reception that they retired badly beaten, having far heavier casualties than the 18th. In the attack on July 1st, 1916, the Liverpool "Pals" suffered terribly. Among the killed was Captain Adam, but, as his Colonel's report showed, it was due to this gallant officer and his battle knowledge and insight that the fortunes ot the terrible day went with the British troops. At a critical moment of the conflict when the Germans held an advantage it was the action of Captain Adam that solved the problem, and disposed of an enemy post that had held up the advance. Captain Adam was killed at the moment of his success. A truly glorious death!

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