WW1 Coldstream Guards; John Swaby of Bargate, Grimsby.

John Swaby was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire on 27th July 1891 to William Swaby, a police inspector born in Skidby, Hull, and Ann Swaby (née Tattershall).

In 1911, aged 19, John was living at 38 High Street, Cleethorpes with two sisters, Maggie (18) and Lily (13). His occupation is given as colliery rope hand. Was he on holiday? Was he trying to escape the Yorkshire coal mines?

The identity bracelet in this grouping suggests that John Swaby was lodging at 2 Bargate, Grimsby before WW1.

John Swaby served with the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards for 9 years and 110 days. His character certificate states that his character during this period was ”very good”. He was discharged in August 1920 which means that he signed up in 1911. John was awarded a pension on 19th August 1920. The pension was granted in respect of disabilities i.e. a gunshot wound to his thigh during the War. This fractured his femur and damaged his sciatic nerve. He had hospital treatment in July 2020.

The medal card of Swaby, John Corps: Coldstream Guards Regiment No: 9085 gives his ranks as Lance Corporal followed by Corporal. He was a Sergeant when he left the army. His record set lists Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards.

John Swaby married Josephine Swaine at Eton, Buckinghamshire in 1916. Josephine was born on 9th October 1895 in Chalvey, Slough, Buckinghamshire and was still living in the same village in 1911. The couple must have met when John was on leave from the army. (The Coldstream Guards are based in London.)

From 1928 to 1931, John and Josephine Swaby were living at ‘Coldstream’, Field 32, (Church Lane), Clee Village.

In 1939, John and Josephine were living at 245 Louth Road, New Waltham. John was a builders labourer whilst Josephine was carrying out unpaid domestic duties.

John and Josephine must have emigrated to Australia sometime after WW2. John Swaby passed away on 3rd August 1968, aged 77. He is buried in Karrakatta Cemetery, Railway Road, City of Nedlands, Western Australia. Josephine Swaby died on 16th June 1983, aged 87. She is also buried in Karrakatta Cemetery.

With special thanks to ‘Recollections of War’, Albany, Western Australia.