240040 Gdsm. Vivian John Adams British Army 1st Btn. Scots Guards from:Isle of Wight (d.9th Feb 1944) Vivian Adams was my father's brother, our Uncle. Our father idolised his brother and regaled us with tales of their childhood and happy upbringing on the Isle of Wight. War separated them, as it did for families across our Isles.
Viv signed up immediately upon the start of hostilities. A giant of a man, he presented himself to the Scots Guards recruiters and so began his 4 year association.
On the 9th of February 1944, Viv was a spotter involved in the landings at Beach Head, Anzio, as part of the initiative to take Monte Casino. Guardsman Viv Adams lost his life on the beach - as a result of mortar fire - we believe. Due to the heavy number of casualties, it was some days before his death was confirmed.
My father had kept an anthology of his war experiences, including his brother's death. It is a revealing piece of work, especially 'And in the morning', the tribute to his brother. I never met my Uncle, but grew to know him through the memories passed onto us through our father.
Guardsman Adams lies at peace in the Beach Head Cemetry, Anzio. When our father visited the cemetery he could not locate the memorial. My father died recently and he asked if family could visit to pay their respects and take him with them. That is what we shall do. Pay our respects to a fallen hero and reunite brothers.
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