Dictionary of Indian Biography/Adams, Rev. James Williams
ADAMS, REV. JAMES WILLIAMS (1840–1903)
Educated at Trinity College, Dublin: ordained, 1863: on the Bengal Ecclesiastical Establishment, 1868–1887: chosen, 1879, to be Chaplain to the Kabul Field Force: was at Charasia and other engagements, and in Lord Roberts' march from Kabul to Kandahar: won the Victoria Cross—the only clergyman who ever gained it—in the Chardeh valley, near Kabul, in Dec. 1879: first saved a wounded man of the 9th Lancers, by dismounting and supporting him until relieved; he then, up to his waist in water, and under a heavy fire from the Afghans within a few yards, by sheer strength dragged out two more men of the same regiment from under their horses in a ditch. He also saw service as Chaplain in Burma. On his retirement, in 1887, he was appointed Rector of Postwick, Norfolk; died at Ashwell Rectory near Ockham, on Oct. 20, 1903, "Padre" Adams, as he was called, had immense influence with the British soldier, who adored him. He was Chaplain in Ordinary to H.M., 1901.