Adam Allison Stewart

"Adam Allison Stewart, only son of Sarah Jane Stewart, 21 Albert Street in the Fountain, died at the Somme on july 1, 1916. He was nineteen.

"Adam was my mother's brother, my uncle. Uncle too, to my sisters, Joan, Molly and Adeline, my brother Stewart and my late brother Allison.

"Myself and my wife Joan had our honeymoon in France forty-six years ago. We toured around the North of France and went to Thiepval where Adam's name is engraved on the monument. It was lashing with rain. I remember it well, under the umbrella, taking the photographs.

Thiepval is a very emotional place. You can see it standing tall from miles away. It's a quiet place. You stand there and everyone's quiet.

"My parents must have had a longing to go to France but they never even had electricity. When I came back, my aunts Mary and Ruby were still in Albert Street. They were emotional when I told them that we had been there. They couldn't understand that there wasn't a grave or what Thiepval looked like.

"We always knew about Adam because my aunts always had a big photograph of him on the stairs, though when I was younger, I never really asked any questions about him.

"Adam was born on May 11, 1897 in Limavady. My grandmother's husband, Thomas Stewart, died and she married another man, McMoyle. Aunt Mary and aunt Ruby are Stewart and my mother and Adeline are McMoyle.

"They moved up to Londonderry, living first at 185 Bishop Street for a while, then moved back into the Fountain, to 21 Albert Street. Adam attended Carlisle Road Public Elementary School, joined the Carlisle Road Company of the Boys' Brigade and Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church was the family church. Adam is commemorated on the plaque in the church.

"During an evangelical mission in 1911, when he was about 14, Adam accepted Christ as his Saviour and made a Christian commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1912 he signed the Covenant. He was also in the Murray Club of the Apprentice Boys and a member of Carson's UVF-number 1719.

"In his letters he never mentions about the horrors of the war. Maybe they weren't allowed though there's nothing rubbed out in these letters. My aunt Mary kept these things. She was the eldest, Adam came after Mary. I have his pocket companion too, bloodied and all that. His name is on it, Private Adam Allison Stewart. According to the authorities, he was killed at the Somme by a shell. But, his dog tag is here, so how did they get that off him if he was missing? I asked that question at the Somme but nobody could answer.

"My granny was seven months pregnant with Ada when they heard Adam was killed. Ada was born on September 1, 1916. My granny had lost her only son. My mother, wee Lizzie of the letters, had lost her brother, as had my aunts, Mary and Ruby. My grandmother had a memorial scroll hanging up in Albert Street. I don't even think it was framed. they must have seen it every day.

"Often on Remembrance Sunday when I hear of the 'great sacrifice', I think of Adam. I never disagreed with the war but I feel it was a waste. I feel for my granny who worshipped her only son, the only uncle we had on that side. My granny died before I was married, about 50 years ago. I never remember dates.

"On Remembrance Sunday I just stand in silence. I don't parade. Some people wear medals belonging to their relations but I go and simply remember Adam. I get a flag and a poppy stick and write his name, from Adeline and all the brothers and sisters and stick it in the ground. Or I let my sister Adeline do it. Keep it in the family. there's only her and me who live here now. I've been going to the Diamond on Remembrance Sunday all my life. I don't go anywhere on July 1. I want Adam's name to be highlighted. His name is on the War Memorial. That's special. I would like to know who died alongside him. I still think of him as the uncle we never had."

Adam Stewart wrote a letter home to the Fountain six days before the beginning of the battle of the Somme.

My Dear Mother,

Just a few lines to let you know that I am well, hoping this will find you all the same. I received your ever kind and welcome letter to-day, glad to see by it that you are all well. I got your parcel with the buttons and I sent you an answer letting you know. G Allen is at the base so he can get memorial cards and things like that, but where we are you can get nothing. R Allen is back with us again and he is alright. You needn't send me anymore parcels or anything for there is nothing that I need. I think this is all at present with best love to all not forgetting wee Lizzie and hoping to hear from you soon.

From,

Your ever-loving son,

Adam.

(write soon)

Tell my aunt Maggie and family I was asking for them, there is a son of Hugh Baird's here with me from Limavady his name is Willie and he knows you and was asking for you.

Letter from Rev J.G. Paton, Presbyterian Chaplain, at the 'Front' telling Adam's mother Sarah Jane, of Adam's death during the 'great advance' of July 1.

Dear Mrs Stewart,

I am very sorry to have to tell you of the death of your son 20958 Pte A Stewart. He was in the great advance of 1st July and was near Lieut Douglas of Limavady when a shell came killing your son and wounding the officer. Your boy did his part like a man and died without pain which too many had to suffer. This news has just come to hand or you would have had it sooner. You have had the satisfaction of knowing that you have every reason to be proud of your son. We all pray that you may be comforted from above at this news.

Very sincerely yours,

JG Paton,

Presbyterian Chaplain.