Lt Norman Sworder (4 January 1887 - 17 April 1918 (aged 31))

Lt. Malcolm Sworder, officially reported killed in action, March 18, 1918, was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Harry Sworder, of the Hall, Stapleford Tawney, and subsequently of Whittles Hall, Springfield. He was an Old Chelmsfordian, and came from British Columbia in the first Canadian Contingent as a trooper in Lord Strathcona’s Horse R.C.

He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and being subsequently recommended for a commission, was gazetted to his old regiment, afterwards transferring to the R.F.C. Before leaving England for Canada, he was in the Essex Imperial Yeomanry.

His brothers Lt. Norman Sworder R.F.C., Observation Balloon Corps, and Sec. Lt. G. Hope Sworder, 7th Dragoon Guards and A.D.C. to a Major-General of a Division of Indian Cavalry, are both on active service.

He was a Lieutenant in the RAF and was killed on the 17 April 1918. He was previously with the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment). He is buried at the La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast, France.

He was born on the 4th January, 1887, at Stapleford Tawney, the son of Harry and Eleanor Sworder. The family lived at Great Tawney Hall.

He was married to Emily Murial Sworder of Maidenhead. They had one child, Robert Ian, born in 1917.

He was born on 4 January 1887 at Stapleford Tawney, the son of
Harry and Eleanor Sworder.

At some stage, Norman boarded at Cambridge House School in Margate,
where he was awarded two prizes, one in 1898 and another in 1899.

In 1901, he became a cadet on the Thames Nautical Training Ship for Officers,
HMS Worcester, based at Greenhithe, Kent.
He achieved his Second Mate’s Certificate in 1905 and his First Mate’s
Certificate in 1909.

He was married to Emily Murial Sworder, of Maidenhead.
They had one child, Robert Ian, born in 1917.

His brother, Malcolm Sworder, also fell.

Norman was a Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and was killed
on 17 April 1918. He had previously served with the Canadian Infantry
(British Columbia Regiment). Unlike his brother, his nationality is shown as British.

He is buried at La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast, France.

The family connection with Stapleford Tawney was through
Great Tawney Hall.

He was entitled to the 1914–15 Star,
the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Baptism: 17 April 1887

Source: Essex Record Office, D/P 141/1/6 #577

Norman is also recorded on page 509 of the
Canadian First World War Book of Remembrance.

Malcolm Sworder

On Monday, 18 March 1918, Lt. Malcolm Sworder
(Canadian Reserve Cavalry Regiment and Essex Yeomanry), who appears to
have been flying without an observer, was on a practice flight in
RE8 serial number B6515, presentation aircraft
Punjab No. 46 “Chenab”.

The aircraft went into a flat spin and Malcolm was killed in the ensuing crash.
He was 26 years old and is buried in grave II.C.14.

Norman Sworder

Less than a month later, Norman Sworder, who was also serving in the RAF,
was killed while flying with 5 Squadron.

On Wednesday, 17 April 1918, 2Lt. A. G. E. Edwards and
Lt. Norman Sworder left their airfield at 07.30 on an artillery patrol in
RE8 serial number C2274.

They were engaged by five enemy aircraft and were shot down over
Farbus Woods at approximately 10.25.

The account attributes the victory to Lt. Emil Koch of Jasta 32.
Edwards was wounded, while Norman was wounded and later died of his wounds.

Norman Sworder is buried in
La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast,
grave I.J.23.