Page 39 - History of War - Issue 30-16

THE SOMME 1916 – 2016

Stretcher bearers carrying a wounded
man over the top of a trench in the
village of Thiepval

After the initial ighting had subsided, Adlam
was instrumental in securing the position, “On the following day he again displayed
tirelessly setting up defensive positions
and lushing out the last pockets of German courage of the highest order, and, though
resistance. His actions saw the over 100
Germans being taken prisoner. A and B again wounded and unable to throw
Companies were sent in to secure these new
acquired positions as Adlam and his men bombs, he continued to lead his men. His
prepared for the assault on the redoubt itself.
The next attack would come a day later, magni cent example of valour, coupled
the ighting was much like the previous
engagement with grenades being utilised to with the skilful handling of the situation,
effectively clear the trenches of enemies.
At this point Adlam’s right arm had been produced far-reaching results”
wounded, so he immediately switched to his
left, inding that his aim was just as deadly.
After an oficer bandaged his wound he was An extract of his Victoria Cross citation found in the London Gazette,
ordered back from the frontline, he had done dated 25 November 1916
more than enough.
His last action was to personally escort
12 prisoners he had captured back with him. night of celebration back in England. In true award. After some downtime in England, Adlam
These two days of frenzied ighting saw the modest fashion, Adlam downplayed his courage was ready for transfer to Singapore, a trip that
British secure a signiicant foothold in the and leadership as an oddity, (“Of course, I never came as armistice was declared in 1918.
redoubt, with the rest of the position being was abnormal at the time: I didn’t feel that Following the end of the war, Tom Adlam
fully secured the next month. there was any danger at all at that moment.”) became headmaster of the village school
Congratulatory messages and accolades but was presented with 12 telegrams full of in Blackmoor, Hampshire where he raised
were pouring in from all echelons of command, congratulations from family and friends. four children with his wife, Ivy. When conl ict
including Field Marshall Haig. Dozens of Confused, he telegrammed his father asking erupted again in 1939, Adlam was again called
gallantry awards were issued with the most why he had received them. His father responded to service and rose to the rank of lieutenant
prestigious, the Victoria Cross, being awarded that the press had been asking his family colonel in 1944. After a long and full life, on Images: Alamy, Getty
to Tom Adlam for his unwavering bravery and for pictures of Adlam to use in their articles. 28 May 1975, Tom Adlam passed away during
leadership. Adlam would hear of his Victoria Strangely, nobody had thought to tell Adlam a family holiday, aged 81. He is buried in St
Cross recommendation second-hand after a himself that his name was put forward for the Matthew’s Churchyard, Blackmoor.

39