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Private Francis McAdams

 

Francis McAdams was born on 14 May 1892 in Charlotte Street, Chapelhall, Holytown, Lanarkshire, the fifth or sixth of ten children of County Monaghan-born parents, coal miner John McAdams and his wife Margaret (née Devlin). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 54 High Street, New Monkland, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, with his parents and seven of his eight surviving siblings, and working as an apprentice stonemason.

McAdams enlisted at Hamilton, Scotland, on 25 April 1917. He was described as being 5' 4" tall and gave his occupation as a miner. Between 23 and 26 June 1917 he was posted to the North Irish Horse (No.2514). He was reported to have deserted from the regiment's reserve base at Antrim on 13 July 1917. It is not known if he was subsequentially apprehended.

 

At least two of McAdams' brothers also served in the war, in the 10th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. Private James McAdams (12422) was killed at the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. Private Patrick McAdams (12449) was reported as a deserter for several months in 1915. He later returned to duty and was discharged due to sickness on 5 August 1918.

 

This page last updated 11 February 2024.