The AIF Project

Lyell Keith SWANN

Regimental number2156
Place of birthKeyneton, South Australia
SchoolKeyneton Public School, SA, and Prince Alfred College, Adelaide, South Australia
ReligionMethodist
OccupationBank clerk
AddressJamestown, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs Alvinna Swann, Jamestown, South Australia
Previous military service28th Field Company Engineers; Served in the Citizen Military Forces.
Enlistment date14 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name43rd Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/60/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 28 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal RollAustralian Flying Corps
FateDied of wounds 14 November 1918
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)Nominal Roll states 'died of illness'. This seems unlikely as his diary on the day before his death speaks of forthcoming action.
Place of death or woundingFrance
Age at death23
Age at death from cemetery records23
Place of burialAscq Communal Cemetery (Row D, Grave No. 12), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
188
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: George Lomax and Alvena SWANN, 170 Wattle Street, New Parkside, South Australia
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 7th June, 1917, during the operations south of MESSINES for excellent work, and untiring devotion to duty. This N.C.O. acted as a Platoon Commander, and was responsible for the maintenance of brigades, over the river. Although the banks of the river were subjected to very heavy enemy artillery fire he kept the bridges in position, thus enabling the other Battalions which followed to cross the river successfully. Throughout the whole operation, he displayed thegreatest courage and determination, and set a fine example to his command.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other detailsGraduated for Pilot Category A 30 July 1918. Category B 23 October 1918.

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