ALEXANDER’S parents were John Swire, born in Liverpool in c.1862 and Emily Hamilton Campbell Kidston, born in Dunbarton, Scotland in 18671. They married on 3 April 1889 in Kensington2 and Alexander Glen Swire was born in Kensington in 18963 and baptised on 18 January 1897.

The 1901 census shows Alexander living at 47 Queens Gate Place Mews,

Kensington with his parents John and Emily and siblings Helen, John and Agnes. John 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.

2nd Lieutenant Alexander Glen Swire enlisted in late 1914 and joined the 1st Battalion of The Essex Yeomanry. Alexander was killed in action on 13 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.

Probate was given to John Swire of Hillingdon, Harlow on 8 July 1915. Whether this was father John or brother John has not been established. The sum involved was £320 18s 3d5.