Heslop's Local Advertiser
Adam Lunam
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Adam Lunam was born 1891 at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham, one of 10 children of whom only 6 survived he was the eldest of 3 sons and 2 daughters. His father Thomas Lunam native of Mount Pleasant, County Durham born 1869 was married at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1890 to Margaret Potts born 1871 at Felling, Gateshead. Newly married they were living at Brown’s Place, Felling where he was employed as a fireman at the colliery. By 1901 he had changed employment and was now labouring at the chemical works, living at Davidson Street with Adam (9), Agnes Allison (7), William (5), Dorothy (3) and newborn Mary Ann. Ten years later both Adam (19) and William (17) had chosen to work at the colliery as pit lads, Agnes Allison (17) assisted her mother at home, Dorothy (13), Mary Ann (11) and Thomas (6) were scholars.
Adam Lunam enlisted at Felling, assigned to the Northumberland Fusiliers he joined the regiment at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, November 5th 1914 where he was transferred as Private 825 to the 22nd (3rd Tyneside Scottish) Battalion. After initial training they moved from Newcastle to Alnwick castle in early May 1915, then on to Ripon where they were attached to the 102nd Brigade 34th Division, having moved to Salisbury Plain in late August 1915 final training began. Embarkation orders were issued January 5th 1916, by January 15th all battalions of the 34th Division were concentrated at La Crosse, east of St. Omer in France.
During the spring of 1916 into June preparations were underway for the forthcoming Battles of the Somme with a huge build-up of troops, artillery and equipment to be ready for the first attacks due to take place initially June 29th but delayed by bad weather until July 1st 1916. Large scale rehearsals were carried out in the weeks before the attack, tons of supplies, equipment, guns, men and horses arrived to the rear areas ready to be deployed in an attack on the lines or in support of an attack.
Private 22/825 Adam Lunam Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action June 22nd 1916 and interred at Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, grave I. E. 25. he was 24 years old and single.
His father Thomas Lunam of 12, Catherine Street, Felling, Gateshead, received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Thomas Lunam passed away in 1918 aged 49 years whilst his son William was still serving. William Lunam was born June 22nd 1894 at Felling and married in 1917 to Maude Brown. He enlisted and was assigned as Able Seaman TZ/5991 Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, Royal Naval Division. Awards; Distinguished Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. He survived the conflict and died at Gateshead in 1967, aged 73 years.
Sister Agnes Allison Lunam married Owen Diamond who served as a Private with the Northumberland Fusiliers, although wounded he too survived the conflict.
Margaret Lunam nee Potts died at Gateshead, County Durham, in 1930 aged 59 years.
Youngest brother Thomas Lunam born at Felling in 1905 served with the 9th Durham Light Infantry during WW2 and was killed in action May 31st 1940 in Belgium. Interred Bulskamp Churchyard grave 4443978.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
The death of Adam Lunam is reported in "Private Adam Lunam, N.F., killed in action on June 22nd, aged 24 years. Son of Thomas and Margaret Lunam, of Felling." Adam Lunam is remembered at Felling on F32.07 where he is shown as serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers F32.23 at Heworth on H92.04 and H92.07 where he is shown as serving with R.N. Division, if this is the same man.
