John Wilmot Swanson was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Labourer when he enlisted with the 8th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement on 9 May 1916 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 23 November 1916. He was admitted to hospital briefly for bronchitis on 12 February 1917 and again for influenza in August before proceeding overseas to France. It was reported he was wounded in action on 4 October 1917 and admitted to the 11th Field Ambulance for sprained muscles in the chest. After he was transported back to England he was diagnosed with a severe hernia.

After his release and return to France he was wounded in action again, this time suffering from exposure to a gas attack and was admitted to the 12th General Hospital on Rouen. On 17 February 1919 he marched out for return to Australia, marching in to the Trainign Brigaide at L'bridge Deverill in March where he was forfeited 28 days' pay for refusing to fall in to a piquet. He returned to Australia aboard the Kargoloa on 30 April 191, disembarking at Melbourne on 12 June 1919.
Tree No. 2390