Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Frederick Swann, a shoe maker, born 1848 in Cossington, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Swann, born 1854 in North Kilworth, Leicestershire. Herbert was born in the 14th December 1895 in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Emma B., a hosiery trade sock worker, born 1872, Annie, a hosiery trade sock worker, born 1873, Frederick, a shoe maker, born 1877 and Ellen, a hosiery trade sock worker, born 1879, the latter four siblings were all born in Sileby, Leicestershire, George, a shoe maker, born 1882, John, a shoe maker, born 1884, Stella, born 1889 and Harry, born 1892, the latter four siblings were all born in Blaby, Leicestershire and Norman, born 1894 in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at Foston Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Herbert was employed as a shop assistant and was residing in the family home at Foston Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire together with his father, a boot maker, his mother and siblings, Stella, a hosiery trade machinist, Harry, a carrier agent and Norman, a hosiery trade machinist. Herbert enlisted into the Army on the 14th June 1915 in Leicester. He served as a Driver with the Royal Field Artillery, 5c. Reserve Brigade. He was discharged as no longer physically fit for war service on the 5th September 1917 at Charlton Park, Woolwich, Kent. At the time of his discharge his medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 8 inches in height and he had a chest measurement of between 32 and 35 inches. His complexion was described as fair, his hair colour was light brown and he had blue eyes, he gave his age as 21 years and 9 months, his trade or calling as grocer’s assistant and his home address as 6, Foston Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire. His Military character was described as very good, and he was described as steady, sober and reliable. At the time of discharge he had served a total of 2 years and 85 days. The circumstances relating to Herbert’s medical discharge, was contusion of the back, caused as a result of an accident whilst on active service when, through no fault of his own he was thrown from his horse when taking ammunition up to the guns on the 5th August 1916 at La Boiselle, France. This resulted in an injury to the 3rd and 4th vertebrae, anathema and paralysis to both legs. Herbert was awarded a disability pension by the Invalid Board of 16 shillings and 6 pence per week to commence on the 6th September 1917, but appealed against this award. On the 13th February 1918, an Invalid Board awarded Herbert a weekly disability pension of 19 shillings and 3 pence per week. On the 22nd February 1918 Herbert appealed against this assessment and the figure was increased to 27 shillings and 6 pence per week for a period of 26 weeks, with the added comments by the Invalid Board. “This man should be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon and an X.ray examination should be made before next medical board.” He was awarded the Silver War Badge, No. 238.645. Herbert died at home in Countesthorpe on the 2nd November 1918.