446112 Private Thomas J. Swift

Thomas James Swift joined the 49th Battalion (E.R.) in Flanders in late May 1916. Days later, the Germans attacked the Canadian trenches at Sanctuary Wood, Ypres, and the 49th Battalion (E.R.) were called forward to retake the lost trenches. Counter-attacking alone, in broad daylight and unsupported by artillery fire, the men were massacred. The survivors continued the fight through the trenches. The close quarters fighting was brutal and deadly. Thomas James Swift was reported missing following the action, with no known grave he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.