Personal info
- Name: Tom Edwin ADLAM
- D.O.B: 21st Oct, 1893
- D.O.A: 28th Sep, 1916
- D.O.D: 28th May, 1975
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Temporary Second Lieutenant, 7th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, 54th Brigade, 18th Division
Thiepval, France 26-28 September 1916
26-28 September 1916
The First World War 1916
On 26 September 1916 General Gough attacked the German line running west from Courcelette towards Thiepval in what has become known as the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. By 2.30pm Lieutenant Colonel F A Maxwell had established his HQ at Thiepval Chateau but when night fell the north-west of Thiepval village was still in enemy hands. At 5.45 next morning 7th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, together with the 1/5th West Yorks, attacked and captured the village. The ultimate goal of the British was the Schwaben Redoubt which was also eventually captured.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery during operations. A portion of a village which had defied capture on the previous day had to be captured at all costs to permit subsequent operations to develop. This minor operation came under very heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Second Lieutenant Adlam realising that time was all important, rushed from shell hole to shell hole under heavy fire collecting men for a sudden rush, and for this purpose also collected many enemy grenades. At this stage he was wounded in the leg, but nevertheless he was able to outthrow the enemy and then seizing his opportunity, and in spite of his wound, he led a rush, captured the position and killed the occupants. Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day he again displayed courage of the highest order, and though again wounded and unable to throw bombs, he continued to lead his men. His magnificent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results.