The son of widow Elizabeth Rose from Raglan Street in Ballarat, Adolphus was a 23 year old baker when he enlisted in June 1915. (SN 2154) He first joined the 22nd Battalion but was transferred to the 58th Battalion with whom he was serving when he took part in the Battle of Fromelles on the worst night in Australia’s military history, July 19th 1916. Almost 2000 Australians were killed, with another 3500 wounded.

Adolphus suffered a severe gunshot wound to his right wrist and was evacuated to hospital in England. He was able to rejoin his unit in April 1917 but was wounded again in September, this time suffering a severe shrapnel wound to his right elbow. Once again he was evacuated to hospital in England where it was ultimately determined he was unfit for further active service.

He was repatriated to Australia and discharged in September 1918. He died on March 16th 1947.