Cecil Edward Adams
Professional soldier
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
The Census of 1891 consisted of the following family group:
George E Adams – 26y – Clock Maker. Amy L Adams – 22y. Ernest F
Adams – 3y. Cecil E Adams – 0y. Eliza A Crow – 21y – (Boarder) Single,
Living off own means. The family was living at 131 Melbourne Grove,
Camberwell, London.
In the Census of 1901, the family had considerably expanded and
consisted of the following family group:
George Adams – 36y – Furniture Shopkeeper. Amy Adams – 32y.
Ernest Adams – 13y. Cecil Adams – 10y. Alice Adams – 8y. Bertha
Adams – 6y. Hilda Adams – 4y. Ethel Adams – 3y. Harold Adams – 0y.
The family by then living in Bedfont Lane, Feltham, Staines. Middlesex.
Cecil 28y married Gertrude Annie Ferra 21y on 27 Dec 1919 at St John the
Baptist Church, Tibshelf, Derbyshire. Gertrude was from Tibshelf. Cecils
occupation was given as 2nd Lieutenant, 1 st Bttn, Royal Fusiliers.
Gertrudes profession is blank. The address for both on the wedding
certificate is given as 3, St Thomas Row, Tibshelf. The witness signature
was his brother Ernest and a sister of Gertrude – Florence May Fenna.
It seems that it was double wedding as Olive Emily Ferra of 3, St Thomas
Row, Tibshelf, married a George Hall on the same date.
1911 census He is listed as a Private in 3rd Devonshire Regt at Higher Barracks, Exeter.44
Researched by Jon Pollard
SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD CEMETERY A. V. 2672.
He served 8 years in the ranks and one year as a WO II before being commissioned in 1918
1914 Aug 22. served with the Devon Regiment in France and Belgium, was wounded four times
1916 Nov 25 London Gazette, 9229 Sgt., C. E. Adams, Devon Regiment. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He assumed command of and led his company with great courage and initiative. Later, although wounded, he remained at his post for 24 hours.
1918 Jul 5. 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The undermentioned to be 2nd Lts. for service in the Field: Co. Sjt.-Maj. Cecil Edward Adams, from Devon. R.
1920 Jan 5. R. Fus.— 2nd Lt. C. E. Adams to be Lt.
1920 May 23. He carried the regimental Colours at the review by the King at Aldershot. (Lt H E S Wall also carried the Colours)
1920 Jul 31. He proceeded to Ireland with the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He was stationed at Galbally with 32 Other Ranks.
Cecil Adams was killed when an IRA unit attacked a train at Headford Rail Junction near Killarney, County Kerry. 8 British soldiers, 3 civilians and 2 IRA men died during the short but fierce fire fight which ensued after Adams was shot near a train toliet.
1921 Census:
Thomas Fenna – 49y – born Anglesea, Wales – Fitter at Sutton Motor &
Electrical Engineers, Priestsic Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Annie Fenna –
50y – born Cheadle, Staffs – Home Duties. Gertrude Adams – 23y – born
Cheadle, Staffs – Widow. Cecil Adams – 9 months – born Aldershot.
Florence Fenna – 21y – born Handley, Stoke on Trent – Assisting Mother.
The family were living at 17, Skegby Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield. This address
is the one used for the CWGC. It is suggested that Cecil & his family were
living in quarters in Aldershot & after his death, his wife & son went to live
with her parents.
Thomas Fenna died in 1927 aged 53 Despite searches, no information has
been found regarding Gertrude and Cecil Jnr after this date
Cecil Edward Adams, funeral report
Photo: Courtesy of the Nottingham Morning Post 30/3/1921 via Julian Putkowski