Harry's Story.
Born in 1898 at Macclesfield, son of secretary and deputy governor of the Industrial School, John William and Harriet Ann (nee Lindop) Swaine, of 62, Green Street, Macclesfield. Harry was educated at St George’s and St Paul’s Schools, and was a member of St Paul’s Church Choir and the Young Men’s Class. He had two sisters, Gertrude and Edith.
Prior to enlisting Harry was employed by Messrs Heath Brothers, of St George’s Street, Macclesfield, as an apprentice printer. Harry enlisted at Macclesfield 22nd May 1916, aged 18 years; he was five feet three and half inches tall weighed 101lbs with a thirty three inches chest measurement his religion was Church of England. He was mobilised 9 December 1916, and two days later he was posted to the 64th Training Reserve Battalion at Kinmel Park, North Wales. Just over three months later he was moved to the 66th Training Battalion Reserve, before being transferred to the 3rd Battalion, Border Regiment at Crosby, Lancashire, on the 25 August 1917. He was drafted to France 26 September 1917, and then posted to the 5th Battalion 2 October 1917.
The 5th Battalion, (Pioneers), Border Regiment, were in the 66th Division, and the Battalion war diary for 21 March 1918 details the action for that day: Manned battle positions for German offensive, “A” and “B” companies TEMPLEUX, “C” company in reserve at ROISEL.
11 am. Information received that “A” and “B” companies although surrounded were holding out at the QUARRIES. 12.30 p.m. “C” company ordered to move up and take a position on WEST side of TEMPLEUX VILLAGE with their left on the COLOGNE RIVER. No further news received from “A” and “B” companies. 3 officers and 30 other ranks succeeded in getting out of the QUARRIES, remainder of the two companies missing. 2.00. p.m. information received that the Germans had taken TEMPLEUX QUARRIES, small isolated posts of the Battalion were holding out EAST of TEMPLEUX VILLAGE. Touch with the left lost. At night time the remainder of the Battalion occupied he BROWN LINE and established communication with the left (16th Division).
Harry was recorded as having been killed in action Thursday, 21st March 1918, aged 20 years.
Cheshire County Memorial Project would like to thank H.A.G Carlisle for this information on Harry.