1/5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. in the London Gazette of 5 December 1918.

Swarbrick was a native of Padiham, Lancashire.

From the Burnley Express: - FOUR PADIHAM HEROES HONOURED. MEDALS PRESENTED FOR BRAVE DEEDS. As reported in our Wednesday's issue, on Monday evening, at the Grand Theatre, Padiham, during an interval in the program of pictures, there was an interesting ceremony of presentation of military honours which have been awarded to four Padiham men as follows, Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to Corporal Swarbrick, 1/5th East Lancs., whose home is at 6, Milton Street; Military Medal and bar, French Croix de Guerre, and Divisional Honour Roses, awarded to Sergeant Roger Ireland, of the 11th East Lancs., whose home is at 19, Thompson Street; Military Medal to Acting Company Sergeant-Major Richard Law, 2/5th East Lancs., whose home is at 6, Hill Street; Military Medal to Private F. Thompson, of the Suffolk Regiment, stretcher bearer, who lives at 7, James Street. Councilor Ernest Wiggins, Chairman of the Padiham Urban District Council, presided, and Mr. and Mrs. John Foster, and Mrs. T.W. Waddington, of the Padiham Women's Emergency Association, pinned the medals on the breasts of the four heroes amidst much applause.

The following is the report on Corporal Swarbrick's deed which earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal as recorded in the London Gazette of 5 December 1918, "Corporal Swarbrick, in company with another non-commissioned officer and four men, made a determined attack, at night, on an enemy party consisting of an officer and 42 men, killing the officer, wounding two men, and taking the remainder prisoners. His courage and resource were most conspicuous."