Swan Herbert Thomas 2/Lt

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Surname: Swan;

Forename(s): Herbert Thomas;

Initials: HT;

Rank: 2/Lt;

Previous Number: 48292;

Previous Regiment: MGC;

Date of transfer to MGC: 28-Feb-1918;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 58 Bn;

Date abroad: 10-Aug-1915;

Theatre of War: 1;

Discharge Date: 02-Mar-1918;

How killed: KIA;

Where: France;

When killed: 22-Aug-1918;

Other Data: 1914-15 Star roll - see 48292 MGC - disch to Commsn
No 3 Coy, 23 OC Bn Hipswell Camp, Catterick Feb 1918
joined 58 Bn 15/6/1918

Herbert Thomas Swan was born on 1 March 1895, in Battersea, London and baptised on 5 April at St Mary’s Church, Battersea. His parents were Thomas and Hannah Jane (nee Pyke). Herbert had two older sisters, Ada and Florence who were four and six years his elder respectively.

On the 1911 census, the family was living at 25 Red Lion Road, Surbiton. Herbert’s father’s occupation is recorded as library attendant at the British Museum, Florence was a commercial clerk and Ada was a dressmaker. Herbert’s occupation is given as Boy Clerk at the Board of Education, which had commenced on 7 April 1911. On 1 October 1912 he was appointed to the Board of Education as an Assistant Clerk. In a notice from October 1914, Herbert is noted as one of the assistant clerks who had enlisted since the beginning of the war.

Herbert joined up as a Private in 1/11 London Regiment but was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the 58th battalion, Machine Gun Corps in March 1918. Throughout the war, the 58th battalion Machine Gun Corps is recorded as fighting in France and Flanders. They joined the Western Division on 14 February 1916 and fought in the Battle of the Somme, capturing La Boisselle. They were also involved in the attacks on High Wood, the battle of Pozieres Ridge, the Ancre Heights and the Ancre. In 1917 they also fought at the Battle of Messines and the Third Battles of Ypres. In February 1918, they joined with other machine gun companies to form the 19th Machine Gun Battalion.

Herbert died of wounds in France, at the age of 23, on 22 August 1918. His grave can be found in Querrieu British Cemetery in France with the reference 1.E.2. When he died, his address was given as 314 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surbiton.

Probate was granted to his mother and his effects amounted to £253. 8s. 10d. Herbert was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He is commemorated on the Department for Education Memorial Plaque, Sanctuary Buildings, London.
(From Board of Education, London);

Other Notes: SWAN, Second Lieutenant, HERBERT THOMAS, 58th Bn. Machine Gun Corps. 22nd August 1918. Age 23. Son of Thomas and Jane Swan, of 314, Ewell Rd., Surbiton, Surrey. E. 2. Querrieu British Cemetery - Somme, France.;

END OF RECORD.

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