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Swain, Thomas

Service number:
7043839
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Corporal
Unit:
The Royal Irish Fusiliers
Awarded on:
July 8th, 1943
Received in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.

Recommendation:
"On the KEF EL TIOUR position on the night 24/25 April, 1943, Cpl Swain took part with his Coy in an attack on an enemy strong point, Pt.622. Throughout the attack Cpl Swain was always in the lead urging on his men. He was the first to reach the objective and with another man destroyed two enemy M.G. posts.
On the 26 April, 1943, Cpl Swain again took part in a daylight attack on Pt.622. Throughout the attack Cpl Swain was up with the Assault Gp and displayed great gallantry and resolution in pushing forward in the face of M.G. fire and sniping. When the Gp was held up within 100 yds of the objective, he voluntarily crept forward with his Pl Cmd and in spite of accurate sniping, which killed four men directly behind him, reached the rocks concealing an M.G. nest, climbing on top in the face of stick grenades and took prisoner the enemy gun crew. Cpl Swain has shown the highest qualities of leadership and courage throughout the campaign."
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Sources

  • - Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th July 1943, Issue 36083, dated 8th July 1943
    - The National Archives WO/373/1, Image Reference:459

Photo