Name
Ralph Swan
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
09/04/1918
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
202581
Highland Light Infantry
10th/11th Bn
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL
Panel 9.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
All Saints Church Memorial, Leavesden,
Leavesden Green Memorial (2014),
Leavesden Green Memorial (Original),
Ind. plaque on house 129 High Road, Leavesden Green,
Not listed on the Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford,
Not on the Watford memorials
Pre War
Son of Arthur and Ellyn Swan, of 1, Denbigh Cottages, Leavesden Green, Watford. It is believed that Ralph there and known as 129 High Road, there is a memorial on this house which reads:
"Lest We Forget Ralph Swan left this house Oct 23rd 1915 to fight for his king and country killed in action in France March 13th aged 19 years" however see the additional notes.
He was born in Watford in 1899, and in 1901, he was living in Ganders Ash with his parents, Arthur and Ellen, and his eight siblings. He was the youngest of the nine and his mother was aged about 45 when he was born.
Officially recorded as living in Watford when he enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
Formerly 4494 in the Hertfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in the 10th/11th Highland Light Infantry.
Additional Information
There is some confusion here, there is a memorial on right hand side of front bay window, of house 129 High Road, on corner of Chapel Close, which is opposite Leavesden Green JMI school and we believe that this refers to this man. However, the inscription gives the date of death as 13 March 1918 and aged 19, which conflicts with CWGC records.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Sue Thomas
