Major Foster Swetenham, 2nd Dragoons, The Royal Scots Greys, killed in action 28th August 1914, near St. Quentin during the retreat from Mons

1887 pattern Heavy Cavalry officer’s sword, blade 89cm by Henry Wilkinson Pall Mall,London, (No 34217) etched with VR cypher, Royal Arms, foliage &c., steel scroll guard, fish-skin covered grip bound with silver wire, in its steel scabbard, the blade neatly sharpened for field service, cleaned overall, minor dent to scabbard, otherwise very good condition £400-450

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The fine collection of attributed British Officers' Swords formed by Hal Giblin.

View
Collection

See colour plate.

Sword sold by Wilkinson to F. Swetenham, 25th June 1896.

Foster Swetenham was commissioned into the Royal Scots Greys in December 1896, becoming Lieutenant in 1899, and obtaining his troop in 1901. He took part in the South African War, being present at the Relief of Kimberley and actions at Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, Driefontein and Karee Siding, for which he received the Queen’s medal with three clasps. From 1906-11 he was Adjutant of the Ayrshire Yeomanry and obtained his Majority in December of the latter year. On the outbreak of the Great War he proceeded to France with his regiment, and on 28 August 1914, was shot through the heart, near St. Quentin, while directing the fire of his men in a dismounted action during the retirement from Mons. Major Swetenham is buried in Moy-De-L’Aisne Communal Cemetery, France.