Honouring Edwin Swales
This month, we remember those who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, in armed conflicts around the globe.
Armistice Day – or Poppy Day as it is better known – is commemorated around the world on November 11. At DHS, we remember the brave men who fought during the wars.
One of Durban High School’s most distinguished alumni was Major Edwin (Ted) Swales VC and DFC – a South African pilot and World War II hero. Swales was recognised as a ‘Master Bomber’ who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and skill.
For his extraordinary courage, Major Swales was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross – he gave his life that his comrades might live.
Durban High School in collaboration with DigiCampus have named their innovative, contemporary educational platform in his honour: Swales Online Academy, which is ready to welcome fulltime students for the 2021 academic year.
“When one considers the contributions that other DHS Old Boys made to civil society over the past 150 years, one has to wonder what Edwin Swales would have contributed as a civilian had he survived the war,” muses Winston Owen, Director of Swales Online Academy and Old Boy of DHS. “It is a stark reminder of the tragedy of war. By all accounts, Edwin Swales was a bright and amiable chap; loved by many. Diligent in his duties and caring of his comrades, he had the attributes of a great leader. Poetically, he was born during the First World War (1915) and died in the Second World War (1945) at the age of 29 in the defence of freedom and all that we hold dear. Let the memory of all he encapsulates endure.”
Pictured at the DHS Swales memorial are:
Winston Owen: Director, Swales Online Academy and Group Representative, DigiCentral
Tony Pinheiro: Headmaster, DHS
Lauren Jacquin: Business Head, Swales Online Academy
Poppy Day: Lest we Forget
