Henry Swannack

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'.