Thomas Alfred Swann

A Seaman Cook with H.M. Trawler Fleming., Thomas died on 24th of July 1940 at the age of 60. 

Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 29 January 1880, a son of Florence Gertrude Swann. In 1882 his mother married Peter Walker and Thomas is shown on the 1891 Census as Thomas Walker living with his family at 79 Seago Street, Lowestoft. 

Thomas married Lilian Florence Calver at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 9 September 1901. At that time he was working as a drayman and both he, and Lilian, lived at 8 Haward Street. Later they lived at 4 Rant Score and by 1911 they were living at 19 Chapel Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas worked as a brewer's drayman. 

On 9 January 1906 Thomas enlisted in the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion Norfolk Regiment. At the time he was working at the Young, Preston and Co., Eagle Brewery, Rant Score, Lowestoft. On 16 May 1908 he transferred to service with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 500. He was embodied for service from 5 August 1914 and served in England throughout the First World War. He was promoted to Sergeant (Cook) and renumbered 265095. He was disembodied (discharged) on 7 April 1919 and gave his address as 5 Lincoln's Buildings, Beach, Lowestoft. 

By 1925 Thomas, and family, were living at 23 Chapel Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas was a potato merchant. This was still their home in 1939 when Thomas worked as a Drifter's Steward. 

Thomas volunteered to serve with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. Navy records show that he 'lost' five years from his age in order to enlist. 

Thomas was serving on the 'Fleming' when it was attacked and sunk by German aircraft in the Thames Estuary.   

Thomas' brother-in-law, Joseph Ernest Calver, served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917.