Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Awarded the Military Medal on 15 Aug 1917; “Awarded Military Medal by Corps Commander in the field, 15-8-1917.

"Near Messines (Belgium) on 6th August 1917, during an intense hostile bombardment of the Battery position, the telephone control dug-out received a direct hit from a 5.9” shell, which wrecked the dug-out and wounded  the telephonist on duty inside. In the midst of the bursting shells Gunner Swain, without any hesitation, entered the dug-out and assisted the wounded man to safety, and after doing so returned to the damaged dug-out and took up the duty of the wounded telephonist. He established and kept up communications (including that of his own Brigade Headquarters) until the finish of the hostile bombardment, which lasted over an hour. The cool initiative and grit displayed on this occasion required great pluck and determination and was an excellent example to his comrades. The Corps and Divisional Commanders desire that their congratulations be conveyed to the recipient.”

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"Mr and Mrs. J. W. Swain, of Augustus-street, Toowong, on Monday received a letter from their seventh and youngest son, Gunner P. Swain, attached to the Field Artillery, who has been awarded the Military Medal, and received a card from Major-General J. Monash, C.B., V.D., commanding the Third Australian Division, conveying his congratulation. The medal was awarded for gallant action in France on May 6, 1917. Gunner Swain was formerly a pupil at the Brisbane Grammar School, where he obtained the Lilley silver medal in 1911, and prior to enlisting was a surveyor's pupil with Mr. F. B. C. Ford (Deputy Surveyor General). He was under 21 years when he enlisted.

Gunner Swain is a brother of Private Robert Claude Swain, who enlisted in October 1916, and returned to Brisbane on Sunday last. Private Swain was wounded in the right hip in France and was in hospital in England for four or five months. Another brother, Private John Henry Swain, saw service in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France. He was in the battle of Pozieres on July 26, 1916, and was severely wounded. Two comrades dressed his wounds and then placed him in a German listening post. He was first officially reported as wounded, then as wounded and missing, and finally as dead. Private John Henry Swain was also an ex-pupil of the Brisbane Grammar School." - from the Brisbane Courier 31 Oct 1917 (nla.gov.au)

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"SWAIN.— Killed in action in France on 2nd April, 1918. Gunner Philip Swain, M.M., aged 22 years, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Swain, Augustus street. Toowong." - from the Brisbane Telegraph 20 Apr 1918 (nla.gov.au)