Swinton, Hugh Alistair

Date of birth:: December 10th, 1914 (North Battleford/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:: January 18th, 2010 (Calgary/Alberta, Canada)
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Audio interview done in 2005 in the Imperial War Museum: https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80028507

Hugh Alastair was born to William Frederick Hunter Swinton and Catherine Constance (Healy) Swinton on December 10, 1914 and passed away peacefully on January 18, 2010 at the age 95. Loved and sadly missed by his wife of sixty-seven years, Kathleen, children Valerie (Noel), Hugh Jr. (Elaine) and Pamela, grandchildren Justin and Ashley Swinton, Amber Lomer (Robert), Zoe Lomer (Mark), Robin Elleker (Shauna), Lindsay Yarmon (Daniel) and Daniel Elleker. Al is also survived by sisters Audrey, Connie, Shirley and Lorna and by brother-in- law John Loftin and sister-in- law Barbara Swinton and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Alexa and Phyllis and brothers Robert, Liulf, John, and Alan.

Born in North Battleford and raised in Edmonton and Tofield, Al went from the farm to WWII and settled in Calgary, after the war, with his English bride, Kathleen. During the Italian Campaign, he received the Military Medal for bravery. Following in his father's footsteps, he had a successful career with International Harvester Company, winning many awards as top salesman. An avid sportsman all his life, he was particularly proud of getting two holes-in- one. Al was an active life member of the Legion and the Army and Navy Club, member of the ACT/UCT, volunteered regularly as a member of honour guards, and served as a volunteer guide at the Museum of the Regiments. As founder of the Calvets Memorabilia Society he assembled a collection of WWII uniforms and prints which were donated to Vimy Ridge Academy in Edmonton. One of his greatest pleasures came from talking with hundreds of students each Remembrance Day. He was a proud father and grandfather, a proud Canadian and a proud veteran. He lived a life of honour and duty.

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Sergeant
Unit:: Royal Canadian Artillery

M-2130 Bombardier (Acting Sergeant) Hugh Alastair Swinton
Royal Canadian Artillery

On the night of 5 September 1944, after the break-through of the GOTHIC LINE, the 8 Canadian Field Regiment was deployed Southeast of MISANO. During the occupation of the position, the gun area was subjected to bombing attacks by low-flying aircraft and a self-propelled gun received a direct hit and caught fire. The armoured shields on the gun were blown off, the ammunition started to blaze and was exploding. Although seriously wounded by bomb fragments, Bombardier SWINTON mustered his gun detachment and proceeded to extinguish the blaze. Bombs fell close to the burning gun and the gun detachment was machine-gunned. Showing complete disregard for the continued air attacks and despite the imminent danger of detonation of the ammunition, Bombardier SWINTON, assisted by his gun detachment, brought the fire under control and finally extinguished it. In doing so, he sustained serious burns. Before receiving medical treatment, this Non- Commissioned Officer, finding that the gun an d sights were undamaged, brought his gun into action with the result that it was employed in important fire tasks during the night.

The outstanding courage and determination displayed by this Non-Commissioned Officer were an inspiration to all ranks of the Regiment and his action is worthy of highest praise.