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Private Adam Ward 10th Batt DLI
Medal Index Card
WW1 Pension Card Ref 2/APW/2998
Adam was born at Eppleton, Co Durham, in March 1888. His trade on his attestation form B2512 (short service for the duration of the war) when he joined on December 10th 1915 was stated as a Hairdresser.
His father was Philip Ward who resided at 18 Pilgrim Street, Murton. He was married to Annie Ward and lived at 20 Model Street Murton. They had 8 children Peter, Philip, James, William, Mary Ann, Rosa, and Jane.
Adam Ward had a daughter Mary born on the 6th December 1914.
When Adam attested on the 10th December 1915, he joined the 4th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry and was residing at 5 West View, Murton Colliery. He originally attested at Houghton-le-Spring aged 26 years 9 months. Then based at Seaham until the 3rd April 1916. From the 4th April 1916, he was then posted to the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry and was allocated a new Service Number of 31748. He embarked from Folkestone on the 4th August 1916, and joined the 10th DLI Battalion on the 22nd August 1916.
When he was advised about being posted for active service in Seaham, he overstayed his pass and was forfeited 1 days pay. His conduct sheet B121, now records his trade as a Barman!
He died of wounds, received on the 1st September 1916 and died on the 7th September 1916, age 27. His wounds were gunshot wounds to his left hand which required amputation, and compound fractures of his left leg and right knee. There was a telegram sent informing the Infantry Barracks, at York that he was dangerously ill in hospital at no 11 Stationary Hospital, located at Rouen in France, and that his relatives can visit at the public expense. A Railway Warrant number 108 was sent on the 4th September 1916. Telegrams were sent to his family which resulted in his wife and father travelling to France, from Southampton, via Le Havre to visit Adam. The cost for this trip was 27 shillings and 5 pence. Unfortunately he passed away before they could see him. His personal effects were given to them by his wife's brother who was an orderly in the hospital at Rouen.
His will gave all his personal property and money to his wife Mrs Annie Ward. This was taken from his Army book. Annie received a £50 gratuity payment on the 24th February 1917.
His wife who was born on the 11th February 1886, was awarded a pension of 15 shillings for a widow and for one child from the 12th March 1917, increasing to 18s 9d from the 4th April 1917. {Widow was awarded an Alternative pension from the 1st May 1918, because this is in lieu of a widows pension of 13 s 9d a week with a allowance of one child of 6s 8d}.
The initial award was for 14 shillings Separation Allowance and 3/6d Allotment of pay. Dated the 8th of September 1916.
She resided at 20 Model St., Murton, Co. Durham.
Acknowledgment: Judith Whelan
Additional research: James Pasby
Adam had a cousin called Peter Baineswho also died in WW1
Adam Ward is remembered at Murton on M47.01, M47.02, M47.04, M47.06, M47.08 and M47.09 and at Durham in the DLI Book of Remembrance page 237.
