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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Midlothian => Topic started by: jds1949 on Friday 11 September 09 10:55 BST (UK)
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I am trying to find out more about the following man:
Thomas Swarbrick, born in Newbridge, Midlothian, probably in the early 1890s and at some point lived in Linlithgow. At some point before 1914 he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed in action on 21st January 1917.
Anything that anyone can tell me would be gratefully received.
Thanks
jds1949
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Hi Jds
Alastair (Cramond Brig user name) is doing a major exercise on tracing soldiers from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Regiment who died in the first world war. I've sent him a message to ask him to have a look at your post :) He may well have found some information already and if not, would be interested on what is found for his records.
Monica
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Possible entry in 1901:
Mrs. ( ::) You would need to check original) Swarbreck 39, Plasterer's Labourer, b. Peeblesshire, Eddleston
Jane Swarbreck 29 wife b. West Lothian, St Queensferry
Mary Swarbreck 10 b. West Lothian, St Queensferry
Thomas Swarbreck 8 b. Midlothian, Kirkliston
James Swarbreck 6 b. Midlothian, Currie
William Swarbreck 2 Midlothian, Ratho
Address: Main Door, Kirknewton and East Calder, Midlothian
Monica
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I am trying to find out more about the following man:
Thomas Swarbrick, born in Newbridge, Midlothian, probably in the early 1890s and at some point lived in Linlithgow. At some point before 1914 he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed in action on 21st January 1917.
Anything that anyone can tell me would be gratefully received.
Thanks
jds1949
Hello
As Monica says. I am just finishing a Roll of Honour of the c7,000 Argylls who died in WW1 - and I can confirm that Thomas Swarbrick is there.
The 1901 Scotland Census has this entry about Thomas Swarbrick
Westerton Rows, Kirkliston West Lothian
Thomas Swarbrick, 22, Head, b Ratho, Midlothian occ Shale Miner
His Death is recorded thus:
Private Thomas Swarbrick, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Date of Death: 21/01/1917, Age: 38, Service No: 1308, Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: III. J. 2. Cemetery: Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension
Details about the cemetery can be found here:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=29501&mode=1
His citation in the memorial says:
In Memory of Private T Swarbrick, 1308, 2nd Bn., Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who died on 21 January 1917. Remembered with honour
This is the cemetery:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_photos.aspx?cemetery=29501&mode=1
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Thank you Alistair :)
Monica
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That's great that there was an age given for Thomas at death. There were only 3 possibilities showing on the 1901 census with different ages, two born in Midlothian.
From your info Alistair, this looks to be Thomas at home with parents in 1891 - all the children showing as born in Ratho:
James Swarbrick 54, quarryman b. Ireland
Mary Ann Swarbrick 48, b. Peebles, Peebles
Alexander Swarbrick 22, mason
Jessie Swarbrick 19
Mary Ann Swarbrick 14
Thomas Swarbrick 12
Sarah Swarbrick 11
Address: Village S Side, Ratho Midlothian
Possible marriage for parents shows on IGI:
JAMES SWARBRICK and MARY ANNE ALLS
Marriage: 11 DEC 1857 in Peebles, Peebles
Monica
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Slightly worrying is a 1901 Census entry for Thomas Swarbreck, born 1893.
This would tie in more with JDS's thinking that Thomas Swarbrick was born early 1890s.
I took the age from Thomas Swarbrick being the only one I could find from the Ratho/Newbridge area
JDS - any thoughts about Swarbreck vs. Swarbrick
Alistair
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That Thomas Swarbreck b. 1893 is the one that I posted earlier (there were only two b. Midlothian searching for Swarb*).
Although, with Thomas' age showing as 38 at death in 1917, certainly points to the family in Ratho that you had found.
As you say, let see what Jds can add :)
Monica
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Just for additional background, this looks to be the 'Mrs' Swanbrick and wife Jane, from 1901, in the 1891 census:
Thomas Swarbrick 26, roadman b. Peebles
Jane Swarbrick 21 b. Broxburn, Linlithgow
Address: Newbridge, Kirkliston
Monica
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Thomas Swarbrick enlisted in 1914 age 35 but there is no record of Thomas Swarbreck enlisting anywhere in the Army, either in National Archive or MoD records - so the 35 year old Thomas does seem more likely
Alistair
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Thanks for all the replies - I think that we have two separate people here. The one I posted originally is:
Medal Index Card:
Swarbrick Thomas, 2/Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Private, 1308
Victory Medal
British Medal
1914 Star
Date of entry: 11th September 1914
Killed in action: 21st January 1917
Information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
T. Swarbrick, private, 1308, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who died on Sunday 21st January 1917.
He was buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Ste Radegonde, Somme, France.
The Times, Friday, Feb 23, 1917; pg. 2; Issue 41410; col E
Deaths
ROLL OF HONOUR
Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders
Swarbrick 1308 T [Linlithgow]
“Soldiers Who Died in the Great War” gives the additional information that Thomas Swarbrick was born in Newbridge, Midlothian, lived at Linlithgow and enlisted at Stirling. Killed in Action. The low service number and the early date of entry would both seem to suggest that this man was a regular soldier before the outbreak of war.
Then there is another Thomas on whom I have this:
Extract from WO 364/4047
Thomas Swarbrick 6375 Private 8th Regiment Black Watch
[This man is not in the medal rolls as he only served for some 12 days; however – see below]
Attestation dated 29th October 1914
Age 35 years 185 days
Trade coal miner
Married – wife Mary [Pollock married 2nd June 1899 at Kirkliston.
Children – Agnes b. 5th May 1900; James b. 13th July 1903 baptised in Glasgow
Born Midlothian, Scotland
Height 5 ft 6 in
Weight 125 lbs
Complexion Fresh
Eyes Blue
Hair Red
Church of England
Medical inspection at Edinburgh
Discharged as medically unfit – 11th November 1914
Cause – defective vision – LE v = 6/9 RE v = 6/24 “Quite unfit”
Thomas Swarbrick was born in 1879 at Ratho in Midlothian, the son of James and Mary Ann [Alles] Swarbrick. In 1901 he was living at Kirkliston, West Lothian, with his wife and working as a slate miner. The following records would seem to be for the same man. Presumably having been discharged by one regiment he waited three days - walked round the corner and joined up elsewhere!
Medal Index Card:
Swarbrick Thomas, Royal Scots, Private, 350634
Labour Corps 562320
Victory medal
British medal
Information extracted from Pension Record [Ancestry]
Edinburgh
Born 1879
Birth place: Ratho, Midlothian
Examined 14th November 1914
Enlisted 14th November 1914
Declared age: 35 years
Trade: Stone miner
Height: 5 feet 6 ¼ inches
Weight: 142 lbs
Chest 38 inches
Expansion: 3 ½ inches
Physical development: good
Joined on enlistment: 9th [Reserve] Battalion Highlanders Royal Scots Regimental number: 2629 [350634 crossed through]
Transferred to Yorkshires 244701
Became non-effective by Eastern Command Labour Centre 362320
Hospital admissions:
Craiglith 2/04/15 – 8/04/15 – [illegible] acute attack
Military Hospital Tralee 31/01/17 – 5/02/17 Scabies – mild
3rd Scottish General 3/01/18 – 23/02/18 34 PHO Reported sick in France, complaining of aching pains in back and legs and with shivering. Treatment [illegible word] Sod. Sal. & Bromide
Invaliding disability: Nyalgia [crossed through] NIL
Date of origin: 1917
Discharged: 21st March 1919
Medical Board dated 20th November 1919 – No disability, heart and lungs normal, all other systems normal
Edinburgh 23rd January 1920 Medical Board
Complains of pains in the shins
Heart and lungs show no abnormality. There is no pain or creaking in any of the joints connected with the arm. Lower limbs movement free. No tenderness of shins. Slight creaking in both knee joints. The board can find no [illegible] disability.
I will now go and print off all of your answers and see if I can untangle these two men!
Thanks again to all for the new information
jds1949
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Dear Monica and Alistair,
I have been trying to untangle this – several thoughts:
Swarbrick/Swarbreck – Swarbrick is the most common, but Swarbreck is a recognised variation of the surname, I have examples of families switching from one to the other and back again.
Thomas who was born in 1879 in Ratho, the son of James and Ann must be my second Thomas – the one who enlisted twice. He was with his wife Mary [Pollock] in 1901 at Kirkliston. His records give his occupation – miner- and wife – Mary – birthplace and birthdate – all match.
So he cannot be the Thomas killed in action on the 21st January 1917.
As I originally posted I think this Thomas must have been in the army before the war started – he has the 1914 Star and a low regimental number. I suspect that he is Monica’s Thomas aged 8 in 1901. However, Alistair, that would not fit with the ages that you have for the Argyll & Sutherland man. – So, is there a third Thomas Swarbrick lurking out there?
It is maddening that two sets of records seem to have survived for one Thomas and none for the second – one for each would have been much better!
Not sure where we go from here - I suspect that the two men are related there is clearly a Peebles and a Ratho connection. My data on the second Thomas, son of James, has a connection back to Ireland and, although I don't have the connection yet, I suspect that the trail then goes to Lancashire, which is where all Swarbricks originally come from.
If you have any fresh thoughts I'd be delighted to hear them.
jds1949
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hi all :)
no idea if this is a help or not but scotlandspeople has a thomas swarbrick
death 1917 born c1894
in the minor records section for service returns
ev
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Thanks Ev,
that would seem to match with the 8 year old Thomas in 1901 being the man who was KIA in January 1917, except for the ages recorded by Alistair.
jds1949
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I know Alastair is so enthusiastic on getting the records he is collecting right that he will be pleased to make corrections as required on his data :) Not sure where the age 38 may have crept in to his records but I am sure he can give the background to that.
That's a good records check Ev ;)
Jds, to go back to your original query ::) having established which of the two Thomases you are after, what sort of information in particular are you looking for him. Are you trying to go back or establish his movements and events in his life after the 1901 census?
Monica
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Dear Monica
I'm actually trying to do two things at once. I'm building a database of all Swarbricks who served in WW1 and I'm also continuing to build my database on all Swarbrick families. My main problem is that whilst I can access English material fairly easily I am totally lost when it comes to Scottish records. This hasn't previously been a problem, most Swarbricks stayed in Lancashire, or went to Canada or Australia. This is the first lot that I have found in Scotland and, I suspect based on what I have so far, it's all one big extended family.
So, in answer to your question - I'd like anything that I can get on Thomas - especially if I can connect him back to the other Thomas in some way. This is what I currently have on Thomas #2
His father James would seem not to have been in Scotland at the time of the 1851 census - so he presumably arrived at some point in the 1850s.
1861 census entry
Peebles
Rosetta Lodge
James Swarbrick 24 Labourer b. Ireland
Mary A Swarbrick 20
George 1
1871 ensus entry
Midlothian
Ratho
James Swarbrick 34 Farm labourer b. Ireland
Mary Ann Swarbrick 30
James Swarbrick 6
Alexander Swarbrick 3
1881 census entry [698-A dist 3 page 22]
Ratho Edinburgh Scotland
Village
James Swarbrick Head Married 44 Quarryman b. Ireland
Mary Ann Swarbrick Wife Married 38 b. Peebles
James Swarbrick Son Single 16 Quarryman b. Peebles
Alexander Swarbrick Son Single 12 Scholar b. Ratho
Jessie Swarbrick Daughter Single 9 Scholar b. Ratho
Elizabeth Swarbrick Daughter Single 6 Scholar b. Ratho
Mary Ann Swarbrick Daughter Single 4 b. Ratho
Thomas Swarbrick Son Single 2 b. Ratho *
Sarah Sophia Swarbrick Daughter Single 1 b. Ratho
*this is the #2 Thomas
1891 census entry
Ratho, Midlothian
Village South Side
James Swarbrick head married 54 Quarryman b. Ireland
Mary Ann Swarbrick 48
Alexander Swarbrick 22
Jessie Swarbrick 19
Mary Ann Swarbrick 14
Thomas Swarbrick 12 Message boy b. Ratho
Sarah Swarbrick 11
1901 census entry
Kirkliston, West Lothian
Westeaton Row
Thomas Swarbrick head married 22 Slate miner b. Ratho, Midlothian
Mary Swarbrick 22
Any further contributions gratefully received,
jds1949
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Monica,
I forgot - I also have one further entry for this family:
Swarbrick Henry, R. Highlanders, Private, 2163
Royal Engineers, Sapper, 137558
To 2 Reserves, 14th January 1919
Theatre of war: France
Date of entry therein: 3rd May 1915
Additional Information from WO 363 S2918
Service reckoned from 13th August 1915
Next of kin: Mrs Jeanie Swarbrick Randolph Street, Cowdenbeath Fifeshire
Employed as a miner by Tochgill [Possibly Lochgelly?] Coal Company Cowdenbeath
Posted as sapper in 179 Company
Mustered as tunneller’s mate with extra pay of 1/- per day from 14/8/15
Attached to 254 Tunnelling Company in August 1916
Went AWOL from 1/1/15 until 3/1/15 – admonished
Committed a civil offence [stealing] in the field 3/9/16 – 60 days field punishment no.1
There are two possible candidates for this man, the most likely being the Henry Swarbrick born in 1891 in Hamilton, the son of William and Mary [Kirk] Swarbrick. In 1901 he was living with his parents at 5, Whitehall Road, Hamilton. He was still at school; his father was working as a coal miner.
The other possibility is the Henry Swarbrick born in 1888 also in Hamilton, the son of Henry and Grace [Pennel] Swarbrick. In 1901 this Henry was apprenticed to a tailor whilst his father, who had been a coal dealer, would appear to have died.
The two Henrys were 1st cousins.
It's old age and all the excitement!
jds1949
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I have just accessed the 1917 death registration for the only Thomas Swarbrick to die that year and his age is given as 23.
Not sure if that helps
Alistair
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That confirms what Ev posted - it has to be the Thomas who was in the post from Monica - aged 8 in 1901 and the one that I think is the Argyll and Sutherland Thomas - yes?
jds1949
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Regarding Thomas born in Newbridge c. 1893 with parents Thomas and Jane. Have a look on Ancestry trees, there is a line for his parents (there are quite a number of Swarbrick trees, there may be other entries).
The Thomas and Jane showing in Kirkliston in 1891. Jane is showing with maiden name Ritchie. His parents are showing as Thomas Swarbrick and Janet Forest. There is this birth showing on IGI which would fit:
THOMAS HENRY SWARBRICK Birth:11 FEB 1863 Peebles, Peebles
Parents: THOMAS SWARBRICK and JANET FORREST
This is the only birth showing to these parents on IGI. But that is likely because there is a death showing for his father in 1865. Thomas b. 1837 is showing as born in Ireland like James so maybe a connection. There is quite a bit of detail including this Thomas' parents.
Have a look on Ancestry. With your background on the families hopefully you can make the links!
Monica
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Yep, Thomas is showing as sibling to James b. 1837, Ann b. 1834 and John b. 1824. Parents Henry and Catherine (McCann).
Monica
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Regarding Henry that you have:
Swarbrick Henry, R. Highlanders, Private, 2163
Royal Engineers, Sapper, 137558
To 2 Reserves, 14th January 1919
Theatre of war: France
Date of entry therein: 3rd May 1915
There are actually three possible Henrys showing on the 1901 census ::)...born between 1888 to 1892:
1. Henry, b. 1888, son of Henry and Grace (Pennel) Swarbrick showing as living in Stevenson, Ayrshire in 1901 - born Hamilton
2. Henry, b. 1892, son of William and Mary (Kirk) Swarbrick, born and living in Hamilton and...
3. Henry, b. 1890, showing as son of Jane and born in Tennessee, US (at least 4 of the children born there). Family are living Hamilton!
These boys you would think are all extended family.
Going by entries on family trees again on Ancestry, I think we can take out possibly No.2, Henry son of William and Mary. He looks to have have moved to the US in 1904 (given his age, 12, I would imagine the whole family may have migrated?), dieing there in 1981 (Illinois). There is quite detailed info for him on the US (probably from census data).
Back to the army records for Henry. I don't supposed there was a description for next of kin: Mrs Jeanie Swarbrick Randolph Street, Cowdenbeath Fifeshire - mother or wife? The fact that in 1901 his mother shows as Jane may help. Maybe a search for deaths for a Jane/jean in Fife would give some indication of age. Don't know at this stage who father was (given he doesn't show in 1901) or Jane's maiden name.
Monica :)
Added: Mother Mary, Henry and siblings arrived in the US on Jun 26, 1904 on the 'Furnessia' from departure port of Glasgow. They were joining father William who was already there.
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Regarding Henry No.2, from the above list, showing as son of Jane and born in Tennessee, US. I think from tree entries, that father was John Swarbrick (no details on him) and Jane Ferguson. Jane shows as born 1862 in Kilsyth, Stirlingshire which matches what is down on her 1901 census entry. John and Jane are showing as having married in June 1885 in Maryhill, Lanarkshire, a couple of children in Scotland before they headed off to the US it would seem from the details on the family's 1901 entry back in Scotland.
Monica
Added: Got the details now on John, father to Henry born in the US. He was born in East Kilbride in 1862. His parents show as John (son of Henry and Catherine) and Jane Hogg :)
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Monica,
that is wonderful - thank you. I shall spend some time putting together what you have given me with what I already know. I won't be able to do much more until early next week as I am rather busy this weekend.
Thank you again,
regards
jds1949
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This can all wait, Jds :) Enjoy the weekend!
Monica
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Dear Monica and Alistair,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but life sometimes gets in the way of hobbies.
From what you have kindly found for me and what I had already I think that what we have now is as follows:
Thomas Swarbrick born in 1879 in Ratho, the son of James and Ann was the Thomas Swarbrick who enlisted briefly in the 8th Black Watch and then served in the Royal Scots and Labour Corps.
Thomas Swarbrick born Newbridge in 1893 the son of Thomas Henry and Jane [Ritchie] Swarbrick was the man who served in 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was KIA 21st January 1917. The only problem with that is the age [38] supplied by Alistair, which clearly doesn’t tally. Is there any chance that the age is wrong?
Henry Swarbrick born 1891 in Hamilton the son of William and Mary [Kirk] Swarbrick was almost certainly the man who served in the Royal Highlanders and then as a sapper in the 179th Tunnelling Company. He was a miner before the war so that fits well.
The other Henry Swarbrick, born in 1888 in Hamilton, the son of Henry and Grace [Pennel] Swarbrick is possibly this man who enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders
Medal Index Card:
Swarbrick Henry, Gordon Highlanders, Private [Corporal], S/10443
Theatre of war: France
Date of entry therein: 25th August 1915
Class Z 26th February 1919
I shall, at some point, check out the family posted on Ancestry as advised by Monica.
Thanks again to both of you,
jds1949
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Hi Jds
Real life sometimes does take over doesn't it!
The only additional note I would make is regarding the possible Henrys. Henry, son of William and Mary, b. 5 Aug 1891 in Hamilton has a US WWW1 Draft Card showing him as working as a miner in Montgomerry, Illinois. He was however claiming exemption from draft due to Mental Disability. The Reg Card is dated 5th June (doesn't show year that I can see) and his age as 25 so draft year 1915 just before birth day in August perhpas. He also shows as single.
So, I would have a question mark as to whether the Henry that served in the Royal Highlands was indeed the son of William and Mary or the other Henry (no.3 on my list) who was born in the US but back in Hamilton for the 1901 census with mother Jean (father possible John). The Jeannie Swarbrick who is given as next of kin could well be the mother who shows in the 1901 census perhaps.
Something to work through as you say :)
Monica
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Monica,
reservations duly noted - I shall have another think,
thanks again, you've been a real star!
jds1949
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Hi everyone,
I may be able to help here. Thomas Swarbrick born 1878 to James and Mary Ann (Alls) died in New Zealand in 1951. He married Mary Turner Pollock in 1899 in Edinburgh.
Hope this helps - from NZ
Tracey Meeten
Also as an addition Thomas was buried in New Zealand under the name Thomas Henry Swarbrick
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Dear Tracey,
Thanks for that information - might I ask if you have a connection to this family? I have now a fair bit of info on them which I can share if you have a connection.
jds1949
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I am glad I can help. Yes I am interested in this family and researching the line. I am not connected to this family myself but researching for my neighbour as she knew I had researched my own family and asked if I could help with hers. I would be very greatful for any assistance you may be able to give me and I am happy to impart any information I have from this end. If you would like to e-mail me at (*) I would be happy to hear from you.
Kind regards and happy hunting
Tracey
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to avoid spamming and other abuses.
Please use the Personal Message (PM) system for exchanging personal data.
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Hello everyone,
I have in my possession a WW1 medal for Pve. T. Swarbrick and I would like very much to re-connect it with this man's family. I note quite a history on RootsChat concerning men of this name but the service number on the side of my medal doesn't match numbers quoted on this site. My search has drawn a blank - can anyone help me? The information on the medal reads as follows: 350839 PVE T. SWARBRICK
R. SCOTS
The medal which is a bit battered and minus ribbon, was handed to me by a cousin but its history and how it came into my family is a mystery - there is no known link between my family and Swarbrick.
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Hi Tony,
I know of two men named Thomas Swarbrick who have connections with the Royal Scots. One of them has a service number: 350634 the other has a four digit number. I have quite a bit on both men, and I would be willing to pass on what I have once we can verify that we have the right man. As far as I am aware, and I have an extensive database of all known Swarbrick men who served, there are no other T. Swarbricks in the Royal Scots. [There was a J and an H Swarbrick who served.] Is there any possibility that you have misread the last three digits or the initial?
Regards,
jds1949