Alexander Glen Swire

2nd Lieutenant Alexander Glen Swire

1896 - 1915

In 1901, Alexander Glen Swire (a.k.a. Toby) was living at 47 Queens Gate Place Mews, Kensington with his parents John and Emily and siblings Helen, John and Agnes.

John "Jack" Swire was a wealthy ship owner employing nine servants in the household.

By 1906 Alexander’s parents were also living at Hillingdon, a country house they had built in Hobbs Cross Road, Harlow. Alexander went to Eton and when he left he had a place at University College, Oxford. However, by this time the war had broken out and 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Glen Swire enlisted in late 1914 and joined the 1st Battalion of The Essex Yeomanry.

Alexander was killed in action on 13th May 1915 during the action at Frezenburg Ridge (Potijze) when The 1st Battalion of the Essex Yeomanry, as part of the 8th Cavalry Brigade, charged on foot. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the Missing, Belgium. Panel 5. Register Index Number MR29.

Having lost his son Alexander in the war, John “Jack” Swire, together with local builder Mr W. Winch, built Harlow War Memorial Institute.

Formerly in the Gymnasium/Hall, that was paid for by Jack Swire, the original brass plaque in memory of his son Alexander Glen Swire is displayed in the snooker hall.