Two rugby legacies brought together at the Australian War Memorial after 110 years

The families of Major Blair Inskip Swannell and Lieutenant Thomas James Richards, the only two people to have represented both the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions rugby union teams, have connected for the first time at the Australian War Memorial, 110 years after their ancestors landed on the beaches of Gallipoli.

Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, said it was only fitting for Memorial to host the meeting.

“Blair Swannell and Tom Richards are connected not only through their exploits in International rugby union, but by their service during the First World War,” Mr Anderson said.

“The Australian War Memorial is all about telling stories, so it is a privilege to help bring the story of these two families together here.”

Swannell died on the 25 April 1915, advancing on the strategic position of Baby 700 at Gallipoli. Richards served through the whole of the First World War and received a Military Cross for his actions at Bullecourt in May 1917.

Robert Swannell and Paul Menck are the descendants of Blair Swannell and Tom Richards respectively. Robert has travelled from England for the opportunity to meet.

“I was determined to come to Australia for this Lions Tour, and I have always wanted to meet the Richards family and see the Australian War Memorial where Blair’s death is honoured,” Robert Swannell said.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be here for the Last Post Ceremony the Memorial held for Blair, so I am really grateful to have this opportunity today.”

The families had the chance to view items from the Memorial’s collection, including First World War photographs and Tom Richard’s personal diaries.

“Perhaps the most poignant and unexpected moment was to read the words of Tom Richards, written in his diary only a week after Blair’s death,” Robert Swannell said.

Tom Richards wrote in 1915: “‘Poor B. I Swannell is dead several days ago. A week ago to-day, I believe, he had a shot through his head. I am really grieved as "Swanny" with all his faults etc. was quite all right, though he is a character seldom met.’”

Tom Richard’s great-grandson, Paul Menck, said: “The fact we know so much about Tom is because he was a prolific writer, he wrote about his thoughts and emotions which makes his diaries quite extraordinary.”

“I think they are a phenomenal document from Australia’s history in the First World War, and we are really glad that the Australian War Memorial holds this important part of his story.”

Paul travelled from Sydney, accompanied by his father who is Tom’s grandson, Jim Menck.

“My mum was really excited for this tour,” Jim said. “I’m sure Joan would have loved to be here to meet Robert and see her dad’s diaries.”

“She passed away just a few months ago at the age of 99, so to be able to represent her today is really special for the family.”

The Player of the Match medal at the Australia and New Zealand invitational game on 12 July was named in honour of Blair Swannell.

At the conclusion of the British and Irish Lions’ tour, the player of the series will be awarded the inaugural Tom Richards medal.

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