FREDERICK PERCY ADAMS

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 7th December 1877, All Saints, Ipswich.

Baptised on the 24^th February 1878, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, with his brother, William John Adams, born 21^st November 1875 – family home at Bramford Road, Ipswich.

Died: 25th March 1918; age: 39; KiA.

Residence: Gloucester, Gloucestershire.

Enlistment Location: Caleford, Gloucester, Gloucestershire.

Date of Entry Therein: 1st April 1915 – France.

Rank: Fitter Corporal; Service Number: 149164

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery, 1st/1st ‘K’ Heavy Battery.

Formerly 16186, Gloucester Regiment.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Memorial Reference:

Bay 1.

Arras Memorial,

Pas de Calais,

France.

CENSUS

1881   8, Cumberland Terrace, Bramford Road, Ipswich.

Frederick was 3 years old & living with his parents and siblings.

William Adams, 38, a Policeman, born Baldingham, Suffolk.

Mary Ann Adams (nee Lighten), 37, born Barsham, Suffolk.

Louise Lorna Adams, 10, born Kirton, Suffolk.

William John Adams, 5, born Ipswich.

Charles Henry Adams, 9 months, born Ipswich.

1891   Gladstone Villa, Bramford Road, Ipswich.

Frederick was 13 years old & living with his parents and brother.

William, 48, a Police Constable.

Mary Ann, 47, a Dress Maker – own account.

William, 15, a Gardener’s Domestic Servant.

1901   27, Station Street, West Ham, Essex.

Frederick was 24 years old, a General Labourer. He was a boarder at the home of Edward E. Wheele.

1911   The Rectory, English Bicknor, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Frederick was 33 years old, a Gardener – Servant to the Rector Curling Finzel Doddrell. Frederick was married, and his wife, Ellen Adams, 34, was the Rector’s Cook.

In October 1882, Frederick’s brother, Henry Charles Adams, died at the age of 2 years and 4 months at the family home, of Gladstone Villas, Bramford Road, Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times – 10^th December 1896 – On the 9^th October 1896, Frederick had an accident whilst at work for Messrs. E.R. and F. Tuner’s – St. Peter’s Foundry, Ipswich. The accident occurred just after 11 o’clock in the St. Peter’s Ironworks paint shop. Frederick of Gladstone Villas, Bramford Road, was cleaning a flywheel weighing about 8cwt., in order to prepare it for vanishing when the wheel fell on the lower part of his body. Frederick was at once conveyed home in a cab. In the afternoon, he was attended by a doctor, who reported that the injuries were not of a serious character. 

On the 26th April 1902, at St. John’s Church, Stratford, Essex, 24 year old Frederick married 27 year old Ellen Borrett, born December 1875, in Peterborough, Northamptonshire – daughter of John Borrett, a blacksmith, and Ellen Borrett, of Suffolk.

Soldiers’ Effects to Ellen Adams – widow, of 335, Bramford Road, Ipswich.

In July 2015, Frederick’s Victory, British War & 1915 Star medals went to auction at Lockdales Auction, valued at £100 – £150.

The Royal Garrison Artillery The RGA developed from fortress-based artillery fix positions mainly coastal fortresses and batteries. 1914 the Army only had a small number of heavy artillery. The RGA grew as the warfare became static. Armed with heavy, large-calibre guns and howitzers that were positioned some way behind the front line and had immense destructive power.