Son of James Maurice Adamson and of Davina Adamson (nee Martin), of Wanganui, Wellington, New Zealand; husband of Eva A. Adamson, of Auckland City, New Zealand.

Flying Officer Adamson was the Navigator in a Stirling bomber which was part of a raid on Hannover, Germany. The plane was brought down southwest of the target, being seen on fire and to break up or explode before crashing near Heisede. The RAF wireless operator was the sole survivor and was taken prisoner. His six crew mates were buried at Heisede and later reinterred at Hannover

The other New Zealanders killed in this aircraft were Pilot Officer Richard Charles Whitmore of Pukekohe and Pilot Officer Thomas Waerea of Parnell.

The New Zealand Herald noted on 9 November 1943 that Pilot Officer Richard Whitmore was missing on air operations. On 23 November the Herald recorded that he was missing believed killed.

Attended Wanganui Technical college (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845607)) AWMM