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WW1
Swain, Richard
Born 1887 Ringarooma Tasmania to John and Sarah Swain (nee Richards)and married to Ethelen Maude Downs, an electric motor driver, he departed Hobart 1st July 1916 on board “HMAT Berrima” with the 40th Infantry Battalion. He was killed in action 8th January 1917 in France and is commemorated in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France. Heartfelt regret was expressed throughout this district (says our Pioneer correspondent) when it became known that Private Richard Swain had been killed in action. He enlisted for active service about twelve- months ago, and previous to that had been employed for some years on the Pioneer tin mine. He resided in Pioneer for years, and was respected and esteemed. He leaves a widow and four young children to mourn their loss. The deepest sympathy is felt for them in their great sorrow. Examiner Launceston 31st January 1917 The following letter from Lieutenant S F. Green has been received by Mrs. Swain widow of the late Private R Swain of Pioneer who was recently killed in action in Fance:- "Before this letter reaches you you will have received news of the death of your husband, killed in action in France. It is unnecessary for me to tell you that you have my very deep sympathy in your great loss. I know that more sympathy will not heal the loss you have sustained, but I can assure you that when I took from his pocket, in the presence of his comrades, a photo of yourself and your little ones, if anybody ever had heartfelt sympathy you had it then. Your husband met his death while doing his duty. He went forward at night to obtain information regarding a movement of the enemy, and while so doing a stray bullet struck him, going through the heart. Death was instantaneous. He suffered no pain and was not disfigured in anyway. We all felt his death very keenly. He was universally popular and one of the best I soldiers 1 have seen. He was cool and daring under fire, always cheerful, and volunteered for every dangerous job. On the night before his death, after being on duty without sleep for two nights, he came to me and offered to go back to the front line and help carry out the wounded. This he did, and when the wounded were all taken out I sent him to bed for l2 hours. I am afraid no words of mine will comfort you The loss is too great. But remember, you must be proud of him. He died doing his duty for his country and his loved ones at home he made the supreme sacrifice." The Examiner Launceston 23rd May 1917
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