William Augustus Adam (1865–1940) was a British politician and army officer.[1]

He was born with the surname "Adams" but later changed his name.

He was a member of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers of the British army, and fought in the Second Boer War and First World War, and reached the rank of major. He fought on the Japanese side in the Russo-Japanese War.

He was elected as Member of Parliament for Woolwich (UK Parliament constituency) in the first general election of 1910, but was defeated in the second election that year.


Major William Augustus Adam was baptised with the name of William Augustus Adams.1 He was educated at Harrow School, Harrow on the Hill, London, England.1 He was educated at Dublin University, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland.1 He was educated at Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Berkshire, England.1 He lived at Kinnea, County Cavan, Ireland.1 He fought in the Boer War between 1899 and 1902.1 He gained the rank of Major in the service of the 5th Lancers.1 He fought in the Russo-Japanese War between 1903 and 1905, with the Japanese Army.1 On 16 August 1907 his name was legally changed to William Augustus Adam by Deed Poll.1 He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Woolwich in 1910.1 He fought in the First World War.1 He was a Barrister-at-law.1 He held the office of Bencher of the Inner Temple.1