In August of 1938, Bill Adams sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia and enlisted in the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, British Army. He was the second recruit of the Halifax Hundred. Between February 1938 and September 1939, nearly 100 Canadians (mostly from Nova Scotia) were part of a unique recruitment which lead the majority to enlist in the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment. Bill was a friend of Walter O'Hara who was the first Halifax Hundred recruit.

Bill was killed in action on 10 May 1940 in France and Adams Street is named in his honour.