Obituary for Tristan da Cunha islander Adam Swain, who passed away in England 1st March 2016, aged 80.

Obituary for Adam Swain

We regret to announce the death in England of Adam Swain on 1st March 2016, aged 80.

Adam was born on 17th February 1936, the eldest of three children of Norman and Maud Swain. He was evacuated from Tristan after the October 1961 volcanic eruption with his parents and sister Patricia, but his brother Sogneas was one of six Tristan Islanders then living in the Falkland Islands who joined their families later in England.


Photo of Adam taken during his last visit
to Tristan da Cunha in 2006 from Chris Bates

Adam, then aged 25, was chosen as a member of the Royal Society Expedition to Tristan da Cunha which made a crucial study of the volcanic eruption and its effect on the island. Adam and co-islander guide Joseph Glass flew to South Africa from London on 18th January 1962, travelling aboard SAS Transvaal to arrive at Tristan on 27th January. It was during this journey, on 22nd January, that Tristan islanders moved from their temporary home of Pendell Camp in Surrey to what was regarded as their new permanent home at Calshot in Hampshire. The expedition was picked up by HMS Protector on 20th March, having achieved most of its objectives. Official reports were negative with regard to the possible re-settlement of Tristan. However, when Adam and Joseph returned to join their families living at houses in Tristan Close Calshot on 13th April 1962, they led a demand by Tristan islanders to return home. Adam and Joseph were clear that the island was still suitable for habitation and their words “There is nothing to stop us going back. Everything is all right”, were heralded across the national press the following day. Therefore, Adam played a pivotal role in the island’s history.

Adam decided not to return to Tristan, instead remaining in England, where he married Margaret and they had two daughters, Tracy and Paula.

In March 1987 Adam appeared in the popular ITV programme ‘Surprise, Surprise’ hosted by Cilla Black. Expecting a celebration of his birthday a few weeks before, he was overcome when his sister Pat and mother Maud appeared on the show. They had travelled from Tristan starting with a voyage on the RMS St Helena to Cape Town, for an emotional reunion after more than 20 years.

Adam is survived in England by his wife Gwen, and his daughters Tracy and Paula, and on Tristan da Cunha by his sister Pat.

The Funeral Service took place on Tuesday 22nd March at All Saints Church, Fawley, followed by Committal at Blackfield Cemetery. A service was also held at the same time in St Mary’s Church on Tristan da Cunha.