THOMAS RICHMOND STOKES 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: 15th March 1897, Ipswich.

On the 13^th May 1914, 17 year old Thomas, of Upper Grange Road, Beccles, Suffolk, was confirmed.

Died: 15th July 1916; age 19; KiA.

Residence: Olive Villa, Alston Road, Ipswich.

Enlistment Location: Ipswich; date: November 1915; age 18.

Thomas trained at Halton Camp, Buckinghamshire.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 3789

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.

Memorial Reference:

Pier & Face 1C & 2A.

Thiepval Memorial,

Somme,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Eldest son of Richmond Ernest & Eva Mabel Adams (Stepmother), of ‘Glenhurst’ Vale Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

Cousin to Alfred (Albert) Edward BREWER.

CENSUS

1901   Upper Grange Road, Beccles, Suffolk.

Thomas was 4 years old and living with his parents & brother.

Richmond Ernest Adams, 29, a Printer’s Proof Reader, born Ipswich.

Gertrude Lizzie Adams (nee Stokes), 29, born Ipswich.

Cyril Ernest Adams, 1, born Beccles.

1911   Rose Villa, Upper Grange Road, Beccles.

Thomas was 14 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

Richmond, 39, a Printer’s Press Reviser.

Gertrude, 39.

Cyril, 11.

Gertrude Winifred Adams, 7, born Beccles.

Thomas’s mother, Gertrude Lizzie Adams, died in 1914, in Beccles, Suffolk.

Thomas was educated at Beccles College, Suffolk, at 20 Guineas per annum, where he studied and sat College of Preceptors examinations, before moving up to Ipswich Grammar School for Boys.

Between 1909 and 1911, Thomas played football with the local print works team, Caxton Football Team.

Soldiers’ Effects to Richmond E. Adams – father.

Thomas is also remembered on the war memorial at Northgate High School. Formerly Ipswich Grammar School for Boys.

Extra information courtesy of Alan – Beccles Museum – https://becclesmuseum.org.uk/world-war-one-project/

The Somme Offensive Day 15

The Battle of the Bazentin Ridge and the attack on High Wood.

The 4^th Battalion the Suffolks 15^th July 1916 regimental records:

While the 4^th Battalion was moving through Becordel to the position between Fricourt and Mametz, where they bivouacked during the night of July 14^th-15^th, the battle of the Bazentin Ridge was raging in all its fury. They were not destined, however, to remain long thus upon the fringe of the hostilities, and at dawn went out under the command of Major H.C. Copeman D.S.O. to support the 1^st Middlesex Regiment in an attack on Switch trench. After severe fighting, a line immediately in front of the Village of Bazentin-le-Petit was taken up and held for the remainder of the day. The casualties in the battalion exceeded two hundred.

This is the highest death rate of the war for Ipswich, one of 17 men.

SUFFOLK REGIMENT 1/4th Battalion Territorial Force:

Suffolk Regiment Battalion movements

Friends of The Suffolk Regiment