Decorated war veteran Harry Adams from Bournemouth dies at 103

Harry William Adams thrived on independence and loved life in his Southbourne flat, living alone until the coronavirus pandemic struck, when he moved in with his son Roger in Ferndown.
Roger, paid tribute his remarkable father who loved his family dearly, and said: “I will miss my father very much for his love, his constancy and his readiness to help whenever necessary. 
“He was a lovely man and didn’t have a bad word to say about anybody.”

Harry married Penelope in 1939 and the pair had Roger in 1944.
Roger said: “He truly adored her and I was born in 1944 after a brief furlough in Bognor. They had a very loving and happy relationship but I remained the only child.”
At the start of the Second World War, soon after Harry and Penny married, Harry was called up and joined the 43rd Wessex division.
Whilst on mess duty, Harry cut his hand badly on a bread cutting machine and whilst recuperating, was seconded to the Army Catering Corps and then to the London School of Cookery. 
It was at this time while Harry was in London, the Luftwaffe lay siege to UK cities during the Blitz.

One of the most destructive air raids of the Blitz was in December 1940, known as The Second Great Fire of London, which caused raid fires over an area greater than the 1966 Great Fire of London. 
Harry was called to serve on the night fire watch team, stationed at the top of the Houses of Parliament on the behest of the Prime Minister Winston Churchill, to keep watch as incendiary bombs fell relentlessly over the city and destroyed everything in their path.
Harry was appalled at the horror he witnessed in the aftermath, as he would clear up the debris from the bombs.
Harry’s culinary skills did not go unnoticed. The then British Secretary of State for War, The Right Honourable The Lord Hore-Belisha, of Belisha Beacons fame, asked to meet Harry after a dinner in Dover, to congratulate him on the delicious meal. 
In 1945, Harry returned to his regiment and finished the war in Ebstorf near Hamburg.

 Harry Adams aged 20

Harry Adams giving a speech on his 100th birthday

After the war, Harry returned to the Post Office where he had started as a telegraph boy and retired as an Assistant Inspector.
Harry became an active member of the Postal Workers Club.
Penny, Harry and Roger lived in Winton, Northbourne and then Queens Park.
Sadly, Penelope died in 1971 and in 1977 Harry married Betty. 
The couple spent 33 “happy” years enjoying their love of Spaniels, walking and church life until Betty died. 
Harry took an active role his church, Immanuel URC in Southbourne and became an Elder, leading and directing the work of Immanuel Church.
And once a month on a Saturday afternoon, Harry helped at Immanuel Church, preparing and helping at the popular children’s activity, The Messy Church.
Harry celebrated his 100th Birthday at Immanuel Church with 70 friends and family members joining him for the occasion.
 And on the day, Harry took to the microphone and gave a speech, talking about his life during the war and in those very happy years which followed.
Roger said: “He remained an active member of the Postal Workers Club and his walking group until very recently, enjoying the lunch meetings and other social events.
Roger said: “My father’s long life of 103 years we believe was due to the fact he was careful about what he ate, he didn’t smoke and didn’t drink alcohol very often. 
“He was also a very calm man with very little stress and was content with life, perhaps this was due to his faith, especially in later life.”
Roger explained how Harry thrived on independent living, having sought medical advice as Harry reached his centenary year.
Roger was told in no uncertain terms that Harry was a “very capable” man and was clearly doing very well living independently.

Roger added: "Dad would visit us twice a week and have tea and see his grandchildren."

Harry leaves behind one son, two grandsons, three great grandchildren, one step daughter, eight step grandchildren and nine step great grandchildren and a great many friends. 

The funeral will be held at Bournemouth North Cemetery on Monday 7th September by invitation only because of the Covid19 restrictions.
 A memorial service at his church will be held at a later date when the restrictions are lifted.
Donations in Harry’s memory for Immanuel Church may be sent to: Deric-Scott, Portman Lodge Funeral Home, 755 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6AN.
Or donations cane be made online at www.cpjfield.co.uk/services/65954.

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