In Langley park All Saints Churchyard is a headstone which reads:-
In loving memory of
Albert Henry
beloved son of
Richard and Ellen Swinbank
died May 22nd 1923 aged 31 years.
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Albert Henry Swinbank was born at Nettlesworth, County Durham in 1892. One of 16 children, he was the 3rd born of 6 surviving sons and 4 daughters. 6 children died. including Catherine 1882-1882, Robert 1890-1891 and Mary 1894-1894.
His father Richard Swinbank of Broad Myers, Plawsworth, County Durham was born August 13th 1858 and married February 19th 1877 in the district of Chester le Street to Ellen Brett, born October 8th 1860 originally of Seasalter, near Canterbury, Kent.
Richard Swinbank and family moved extensively over the years between Nettlesworth, Durham, Sacristan, Malton Colliery and Ushaw, where he was employed as a coal miner/overman in 1911.
Only 5 of his and Ellen’s children were still living at home at Hill Top, Ushaw in 1911. Albert Henry (19) and John Robert (15) were employed at the colliery as a shifter and a time keeper respectively, Ernest Edward (12), Sydney George (11) and Lily Maria (7) were scholars. On January 24th 1912 only 53 years of age Richard Swinbank of Hill Top, Ushaw, County Durham died leaving effects in the sum of £110 pounds 5 shillings 6 pence to his widow Ellen.
Prior to the commencement of WW1 Albert Henry had left his employment at the pit and was employed as a chauffeur/mechanic. He enlisted December 11th 1915, assigned as Private 23799 Durham Light Infantry and initially sent to the Army Reserve until February 8th 1916 when he was mobilised and posted to the 22nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He was then transferred to the 16th Battalion, June 21st 1916, spending time at Catterick where, on September 1st 1916, he gained a proficiency certificate.
He departed via Folkestone landing at Boulogne on April 18th 1917 and was sent to the 9th Infantry Base Depot at Calais. He was then posted to the field on April 26th 1917 to join the 40th Labour Corps and finally to the 780th Army Educational Corps (Artisan Coy), This was made up of skilled men from a variety of trades and was initially used for hut construction and road making in the lines of communication. He remained with them until his return to England on August 30th 1919. Transferred to Class Z which allowed him to return to his home at Hill Top, Ushaw and employment, he was officially discharged September 29th 1919 and was the recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Albert Henry Swinbank died May 22nd 1923 aged 31 years. He was buried at All Saints Churchyard, Langley Park.
A reference to the demise of his brother is included on a headstone, location unknown.
(Illegible)
JOHN ROBERT
who fell In action
in France 1st Jul 1916
aged 20 Years
(Also Illegible)
ALBERT HENRY
who died 22nd May 1923
Aged 31 Years
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
The name of Arthur Henry Swinbank has not been found on a local war memorial.
