Lance Corporal Harry deSwart, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry - Killed in France

Memorial to Lance Corporal Harry deSwart, All Saints' churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

 

"Of your charity pray for the soul of Harry deSwart who was killed in France Sept 30 1916 aged 29 R.I.P"

 

Harry deSwart was born in 1887 in St Pancras, London, to Adrianus Johannes deSwart from Holland, a cabinet maker, and his wife Mary Patterson Thrift. 

Harry's mother Mary was to pass away in 1890.

Harry first appears on the 1891 Census, aged 5, boarding with his siblings at the home of E Toslene at 50 New Street, Mile End Old Town, London. There is little information on the Census return, just Initials, surnames, and ages.  Harry's father Adrianus is boarding at Stanhope Street, St Pancras, London.

I have been unable to locate Harry on the 1901 Census, however by 1911 he was boarding in the home of Henry and Anna Mary Buckingham, The Haven, Claremont Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Harry's occupation is given as carpenter.
 
Sometime after the outbreak of World War I Harry deSwart joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, he was a Lance Corporal.   Sadly, he died of wounds he received in battle on 30th September 1916.
 
Harry's sister, Florence deSwart requested on 14th July 1919 that she receive his medals after the war on behalf of his late mother.  Her address at the time was Rio-de-Janeiro.
  
Please note that Harry is not buried at the grave site pictured above as he is buried where he fell in France at Acheux British Cemetery, France.