Henry Swannack
He was educated at the King Edward VI Grammar School, Retford and was later an assistant in business, a furniture dealer.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Henry Swannack was born in 1885 at Retford, he was the son of Edwin Swannack a furniture dealer and Sarah Swannack née Cocking of 23 Grove Street, Retford.
His father Edwin was born in 1848 at Carlton in Linderick, his mother Sarah Cocking was born in 1849 at Laxton they were married on 27th December 1871 at Holbeach, Lincoln, they went on to have 10 children, sadly one of them died in infancy or early childhood.
In the 1911 census Edwin Swannack 63 yrs is a furniture dealer, he is living with his wife Sarah 62 yrs and their children Elizabeth 32 yrs no occupation listed, Henry 26 yrs an assistant furniture dealer and Clement 22 yrs an engineers draughtsman.
Henry married Edith Gladys Robertson (born 30th October 1888) on 5th October 1915 at Heene, Sussex. They lived at 77 Maple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne they had a son Keith Proctor born 14th January 1918.
Commencing 21st October 1918 his widow was awarded a pension of 20 shillings and 5 pence a week. His wife was living at 20 Jesmond Road, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Henry enlisted in Retford and died of wounds on 11th April 1918 at a casualty clearing station in France and is buried in Haverskerque British Cemetery, Nord, France Grave Reference: D 6.
Lance Cporl Henry Swannack Retford Times 26th April 1918
'On Saturday morning Alderman and Mrs Swannack, Grove Street, Retford, received the news that their son, Lance Corpl Henry Swannack, Northumberland Fusiliers, had died on the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station, France, from shell wounds received on April 11th. This gallant young soldier joined up about two years ago and had been in France almost a year. He was 33 years of age and some two years ago was married to Miss Robinson, a lady who commenced her journalistic career on this journal, and who has since won for herself a high position in the proffession. When home on leave about a month ago their baby boy was Christened. The deepest sympathy is felt for the young widow and with Ald. And Mrs Swannack and family in their bereavement. Ald. Swannack has two other sons serving, Pte Arthur Swannack in Italy, and second Lieut Fred Swannack with a reserve battalion at Sunderland. Another son, Mr Clement Swannack, has been discharged as medically unfit after serving in France.'
Retfordian, In Memoriam:
'Henry Swannack , lance corporal in the 4th Northumberland Fusiliers, died on April 11th in a Casualty Clearing Station, on the French Front, as a result of multiple wounds in face, arm and chest sustained in action on the previous day, and was buried in the cemetery at Haverskerque.
One of his officers writes to the deceased soldiers wife:- " Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss that you have just sustained. Corporal Swannack was easily the most efficient N.C.O. in my platoon, and set a splendid example to the remainder " The Chaplain who buried Corporal Swannack also wrote deeply sympathetic words'.
Henry Swannack
This photo of Henry Swannack was first published in the 'Retfordian' magazine following his death.