Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The November issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Tom Edwin Adlam, who was awarded the VC for outstanding bravery during the Great War.
Adlam, who was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, enlisted into the 4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment (Territorial Force) in September 1912 and quickly earned a reputation for his bomb-throwing skills.
Adlam was awarded the VC for his gallantry at the Battle of Thiepval while serving with the 7th Bedfordshire Regiment in France in September 1916. Aged just 22 and a second lieutenant, he played a crucial role in attacking and capturing a well-defended area, helped by the fact he could throw a bomb, accurately with either hand, for some 40 yards.
The citation for his VC, announced on November 25 1916, praised his courage and daring over two days, despite being wounded in the leg. His citation ended: “His magnificent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results.”
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past four years have been largely based on excerpts from four of his books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes and Heroes of the Skies. His sixth bravery book, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II, is published on November 8.
For the foreseeable future, Lord Ashcroft’s “hero of the month” articles will concentrate on men who were awarded the VC during the First World War. Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
- Lord Ashcroft’s latest article appears in the November issue of Britain at War which is on sale now.
