Private Edward Frederick Swinden

Edward Frederick Swinden was born on the 4th of July 1891 in Highgate to parents Walter who worked as a bricklayer and Sarah Emma (nee Potter). His parents had married in 1880 and by the time Edward was born they already had six children: Sarah aged 9, Ada 8, Georgina 6, Louisa 4, Florrie 3 and Walter aged one. The family were living at 57 Nicholay Road, Upper Holloway, an address they remained at for many years. Another child named Emily was born 10th April 1893.

Edward, like his other siblings attended Duncombe Road School, he was registered on 9th July 1894 a few days after his 3rd birthday.

Edward’s mother Sarah died in December 1900 when he was aged 9. His father was left with his eight children all still living at home. I would assume that Edward’s eldest sister Sarah took over the responsibility of looking after the younger children.

Edward’s father remarried 4th September 1902 at St. Peter’s Church Hammersmith, his new wife was Mary Elizabeth (nee Beavor). Their first child called Charles, was born on 25th December 1905.

On 20th July 1909, Edward aged 18 enlisted in Warrington, for the Liverpool Regiment. His occupation was given as an Engineers Labourer. He was described as 5ft 3 ¾ inches tall, with a chest measurement of 34 inches, having a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. Other details on enlistment papers included his father Walter and brother Walter both living at 90 Percy Road, Shepherds Bush, whilst his other siblings were living in different locations in North London.

Edward spent the first two years serving on home soil. He transferred to the Norfolk Regiment on 1st December 1910 and spent time training at Army barracks in Marlborough.

Edward was posted out to India at the beginning of 1912. He then spent the next three and half years overseas in either Mesopotamia or India. Edward was transferred back home on 7th May 1916 and spent 45 days in King George Hospital. He complained of pain in back, plus hacking cough. X-ray of spine showed damage to spine greatly aggravated by conditions of active service. Edward stated that his conditions originated in November 1914 whilst serving in Mesopotamia when he had malaria. He had also been wounded in action whilst in Mesopotamia (Persian Gulf) in December 1915 when he suffered a gunshot wound to head and left shoulder.

Edward was seen on 6th June 1916 whilst still in hospital and discharged from military service as no longer physically fit for war service. His discharged was confirmed on 20th June 1916. Edward had served 6 years and 336 days. Edward’s address on discharge was given as 35 Rayleigh Road, West Kensington, the address of his father and stepmother. However, Edward being in such poor health was moved to the Downs Sanatorium in Sutton where he died on 21st September 1916, suffering from Tuberculosis of the Spine.

Edward was buried in Morden cemetery Garth Road on 26th September 1916. His name also appears on a stone cross memorial in the churchyard.

(On 3rd November 1916 Edward’s father received a letter from the Secretary at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea asking why Edward had failed to attend a medical examination. His father wrote back saying son had died in September)