JOHN EDWARD SWINDELLS
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Image from Lancaster University – “Streets of Mourning.”
www.lancaster.ac.uk/ww1streets/cas_lists/casualties-s.html
Born: 17th June 1880, Lancaster, Lancashire.
Died on or since: 7th October 1916; age 36; KiA.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Monday, 13th November 1916 – Private John Edward Swindells, of the Royal Fusiliers, was reported missing since the 7th October, is the elder son of Mr. Edward Swindells, of Lancaster, and a well-known local oarsman and marksman. He was the first winner of the challenge cup given by Mr. W. M. Duncan, captain of the Lancaster Rifle Club, and on one occasion came near to reaching the world’s record by obtaining seven “possibles,” comprising 70 shots of 10 points each on the local range. In civilian life, he was a clerk with the London City and Midland Bank.
Residence: Ipswich.
Occupation: Bank Clerk with the London City and Midland Bank – Ipswich Branch.
Entered the services of the London City and Midland Bank (now the HSBC) in May 1897. He served at the branches in Morecambe, Cardiff, and Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich; date: 25th April 1916.
Trained at Edinburgh.
Proceeded to France in August 1916.
Rank: Private; Service Number: PS/10432
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers, London Regiment, 9th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Memorial Reference:
Pier 7 Face 8C 9A & 16A,
Somme,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Susan Swindells, of 11, Connaught Road, Bowerham, Lancaster, & the late Edward Swindells.
CENSUS
1881 12, Ullswater Road, Lancaster, Lancashire.
John was 9 months old and living with his parents & sisters.
Edward Swindells, a Cotton Spinning Master, born Lancaster, Lancashire.
Susan Swindells (nee Budd), 41, born Lancaster.
Dora Swindells, 4, born Lancaster.
Annie Swindells, 2, born Lancaster.
1891 19, Fern Bank, Scotforth, Lancashire.
John was 10 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 40, a Cotton Spinning Master.
Susan, 41.
Dora, 14.
Annie, 12.
Sutton Budd Swindells, 3, born Lancaster.
1901 19, Fern Bank, Scotforth, Lancashire.
John was 20 years old, a Bank Clerk. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 50, a Spinning Master – Cotton Mill.
Susan, 51.
Dora, 24.
Annie, 22.
Sutton Budd Swindells, 13.
1911 19, Fern Bank, Scotforth, Lancashire.
John was 30 years old, a Bank Clerk. He was living with his parents & sister.
Edward, 60, a Cotton Mill Manager for Mr. James Williamson & Son – Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers, at Greenfield & Bath Mills, Lancaster.
Susan, 63.
Dora, 34.
John was educated at Friends School.
John was a member of the Lancaster Photographic Society and the Lancaster Rowing Club.
John was also a member of the Lancaster Rifle Club. During his time with the Club, he served as their captain, secretary, and treasurer.
Soldiers’ Effects to Dora Swindells – sister.
Probate to Dora Swindells – sister, of 3, Rose Bank, Greaves, Lancaster.
John is also remembered on the London Joint City and Midland Bank memorial, once sited at 5, Threadneedle Street, London, E.C. 2. In 2002, the memorial was relocated to the new global headquarters in Canary Wharf, London.
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