Sergeant John Gerald Patrick Adams (1077026) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War. He was the second son of William C Adams and Florence ME Adams of 88 Malone Avenue, Belfast.
John attended St. Bride’s School, Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast, the Christian Brothers’ School Belfast, and the College of Technology, Belfast. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in December 1940 having previously worked for Anderson and McAuley Ltd. During his time in the forces, he built up a reputation as a boxer.
Sergeant Adams died on 25th April 1943 aged 21 years old while serving as a Wireless Operator on Vickers Wellington X3816 with RAF No. 29 Operational Training Unit. The Mark III bomber took off from RAF Woolfox Lodge, Rutland on 25th April 1943. It crashed 15 minutes into a training flight in the suburbs of Leicester, exploding on impact.
Remembering the crew of Wellington X3816
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | John Gerald Patrick | Sergeant | Wireless Operator | RAFVR 1077026. Killed. |
| Dunn | George | Sergeant | Air Bomber | RAFVR 1527436. Killed. |
| McLean | Donald Rae | Flying Officer | Pilot | RCAF J/20010. Killed. |
| Rice | Vincent Arthur | Sergeant | Observer | RAFVR 1337819. Killed. |
| Riley | Joseph | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 1352461. Killed. |
John Gerald Patrick Adams’ grave is in Section B, Row K, Grave 97 of Milltown Cemetery, Belfast. Reverend Canon J Small conducted the funeral service. Members of the Royal Air Force under the command of Flight Lieutenant Caulfield attended. The Royal Air Force Ensign draped over Sergeant Adams’ coffin. His headstone bears the inscription:
Per ardua ad astra atque ultra.