The AIF Project

Philip SWAIN

Regimental number20761
Place of birthBrisbane Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationSurveyor's assistant
AddressAugustas Street, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, J W Swain, Augustas Street, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date22 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit name9th Field Artillery Brigade 1 - 8 Reinforcements
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 11 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollBombardier
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Field Artillery Brigade
FateKilled in Action 2 April 1918
Age at death from cemetery records22
Place of burialMericourt L'Abbe Communal Cemetery (Plot II, Row F, Grave No. 8), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
15
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: James Walter and Elizabeth SWAIN, Augustus Street, Toowong, Queensland
Medals

Military Medal

'Near MESSINES, on 6th August, 1917, during an intense hostile bombardment of the Battery position, the telephone control dug out received a direct hit from a 5.9" shell, which wrecked the dug out and wounded the telephonist on duty inside. In the midst of bursting shells, Gunner SWAIN without any hesitation entered the dug out and assisted the wounded man away to safety, and after doing this he returned to the damaged dug out and took up the duty of the wounded telephonist. He established and kept up communications (including that of his own Brigade Headquarters) until the finish of the hostile bombardment, which lasted over an hour. The cool initiative and grit displayed on this occasion required great pluck and determination, and was an excellent example to his comrades. Also, during the whole of his 7 months service with the Battery since its arrived in the line, his work has been characterised by a rare thoroughness and a high devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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