In November 2003, my father, a Deacon of Holy Rood Church in Swindon, was asked to lead a service of remembrance in the old technical college in Victoria Road. The service was held in front of a stained glass window in the entrance hall, that commemorates 44 men who were students of the college, and were killed in the Great War. A number of relatives attended the service.

I was intrigued by this window, and, after viewing it had to find out more about these men. With the friendly and very helpful advice from the staff of the reference library in Swindon, a new door on my lifelong interest opened.

The First World War has interested me for as long as I can remember. I would read books on the subject, collect memorabilia from the period and watch intently anything that appeared on the television in the way of films or documentaries. This has not changed. My wife and family can vouch for that!

I had, and still do have, a great interest in the 'Pals' regiments that were formed in Britain. Reading many stories of the comradeship of this citizen army, that held the men together and brought them through this terrible experience. But,I had never thought about the men of my home town, Swindon, until that is, I saw for the first time, the memorial in the Town Hall. Commemorating 920 men who died, the memorial rests out of public sight, behind curtains in the Swindon dance studio. I felt guilty for not realizing the impact that war had on my town.

Using as a basis, the information of W Bavin's, 'Swindons War Record' of 1922, I have put together a record that tells a story of its own. His book gives us such a complete record of the events that took place in the five years from 1914 to 1919. All I have done is used his official list together with the records of those who died and the original documents of the 'Committee of Comforts for the Troops' and gathered together many photographs, kindly loaned to me by the relatives of the men.

I hope that Mr Bavin would approve of my effort. This work is not a history of the Towns involvement as Bavins was. My book, like me, is simple! It contains the 'Roll of Honour'. Those that died, using information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the records of Soldiers Died, and also relatives records themselves. It also contains the roll of those that survived. You will see that there is a mixture of information on the men listed, some have a page or half a page or information on them, others I have nothing but their name. But I wanted each one mentioned so all will be remembered.

What I am pleased with is that when anyone has asked me about this project, nobody has asked why have I wanted to do this? I still don't think I need to answer that!

Over 5,000 men from Swindon served. These men, through their suffering, showed spirit, determination and great courage, in the face of despair and impossible odds. My book and this website is for all our Lads from Swindon

If you can help to grow this piece of work, please contact me via the e-mail link on the homepage of this website. The war dead will be remembered, as is fitting. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you.

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