In Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, Kent is the Commonwealth War Grave of J/52524 Able Seaman John Joseph Adams, serving on H.M.S. Pembroke with the Royal Navy who died 16/02/1920.

The son of William and Dorothy Adams, of 83, Tyne Road East, Gateshead, Co. Durham.

Colin Boyd has provided the following:

John was born on 11th December 1900 in Newcastle upon Tyne to William Adams, a cartman and his wife Dorothy who were living at 105, Meldon Street, Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1911 John had a younger sister and the family were living at 194, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne and William was working as a goods porter on the railway.

John  enlisted in the Royal Navy as a Boy Entrant on 20th April 1916 when his occupation was given as an apprentice fitter and turner. He signed on for 12 years man’s service on 11th December 1918 when he was described as being 5 feet 5½ inches tall with dark brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. John must have been a good rating as he passed the first part of the Petty Officer exam at the age 19.

John died on 16th February 1920 at HMS Pembroke, the shore based barracks at Chatham, from the effects of Influenza and Pneumonia. His next of kin was his father, William living at 83, Tyne Street, Gateshead.

John Joseph Adams is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.