William Swann
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William was born in 1895 at Newark and was the son of Francis a cab proprietor and Mary Elizabeth Swann née Brookes of 20 Boundary Rd., Newark. His father Frances was born in 1857 at Newark and his mother Mary Elizabeth Brookes was born in 1862 at Bedford Lea, Lancashire. They were married in 1882 at Newark and went on to have the following children: Francis b1883, Mary Jane b1887, Sarah Elizabeth b1890 and William b1895. All the children were born in Newark. In the 1911 census the family are living at 20 Boundary Road, Newark and are shown as Francis Swann 53 yrs a cab proprietor who is living with his wife Mary Elizabeth 49 yrs and their children, Mary Jane 24 yrs a teacher, Sarah Elizabeth 21 yrs a drapers shop assistant and William 16 yrs an apprentice draughtman.
Sergeant William Swann enlisted at Newark. He served with 'A' Squadron 1/1st battalion Sherwood Rangers. William was killed in action on 23rd September 1916 at Salonika and is buried in Struma Military Cemetery (grave reference VI.C.13).
CWGC headstone, personal inscription: 'He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle.' Article published 11th October 1916 in the Newark Advertiser :- 'Son of Mr F. Swann, Boundary Cottage, Boundary Road and the Clinton Arms Yard, Newark. Was a Christ Church boy, for some time in the choir and was a member of the Christ Church Bible Class. After leaving school he was apprenticed at Messrs. Simpson’s Works, Lowfields, Balderton and was working there when war broke out. He was called up on mobilisation and had served four years in the Yeomanry at the time of his death. Had distinguished himself on several occasions, having been mentioned in despatches. On September 22nd, just after he had posted a small party of his men, and was looking for a position from which fire could be brought to bear on the enemy, he was killed by a Bulgarian bullet, which hit him in the neck.'
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