Edward Swinyard

Bank: Parr’s Bank

Place of work: London Lombard Street branch

Died: 25 June 1915

Edward Henry Swinyard was born in Deptford, London, on 25 July 1877, the son of Henry and Ann (née Bassett) Swinyard. In 1895, just after his 18th birthday, he joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry. After leaving the Marines, Swinyard worked as a pierman in the River Ambulance Service receiving depot, and later became a night watchman at London Lombard Street branch of Parr's Bank.

At the outbreak of the First World War Swinyard was recalled to naval duty, serving in the Deal Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. His battalion was posted to Dunkirk in September 1914, and was involved in the defence of Antwerp that autumn. He was transferred to the Middle East in February 1915, and was killed in action in the Dardanelles on 25 June 1915. Serjeant Swinyard was 37 years old and left a widow, Ellen, whom he had married in 1905, two stepdaughters and two daughters.

Edward Swinyard is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest City of London office.