De Ruvigny Roll of Honour Vol 3 page 2

Newcastle Journal Saturday 12/05/1917

Photo: James Pasby

Photo: James Pasby

Photo: James Pasby

In Sunderland Bishopwearmouth Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:-

In loving memory of
James Adamson
who died September 3rd 1920
aged 63 years
Jane Foster Adamson
wife of the above
died January 29th 1945 aged 84 years

Also
Capt. James Adamson
son of the before named
who was killed in action
in France
May 5th 1917 Age 31 years
Jenny Pearson wife of George
and daughter of the before named
who died May 30th 1996 Aged 68 years

James was born on the 23rd May 1885, the son of James Anderson of 4 Elms West, Sunderland, Ship's Store Merchant. He was educated at Bow School Durham and Sedbergh School, Yorkshire.

James entered business with his father. He obtained a commission in December 1913, about 9 months before War broke out.

James was serving with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders when he was killed by a shell on the 5th of May 1917, whilst in command of his battery.

He was buried at Ecoivre, north of Arras. A brother officer wrote: He was the bravest man I ever met at the Front, and continually doing magnificent things. He was loved by officers and men, and his pluck and cheerfulness we shall never forget, and his Captain:He was a prime favourite with all, and always known as 'Jimmy.' He set a magnificent example of courage, and was the bravest fellow I ever met.

His commanding Officer also wrote:He was a gallant officer and a cheery friend.

James was a keen sportsman, fine gymnast and footballer. He had won the L'Epee d'Honneur in an open fencing competition at Newcastle. He was also awarded the Royal Humane Society certificate for saving a life.

Source: De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour

Morpeth Herald 18/05/1917 carries a brief obituary:

The death has been announced of Lieut. J. Adamson, a member of a well-known North Country family. Lieut. Adamson was brother-in-law of Lieut. Campion Gunn, The Willows, of Morpeth.

James Adamson is remembered at Sunderland on S140.005, S140.082 and S140.141

13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry ROH
The CWGC entry for Lieutenant Adamson