Benny was born to Mary (Cawthorne) and Robert Swallow on 23rd February 1923 in Mile End, East London. He was the middle of five children and one of two sons.

After the War - around September 1946 - he married Caroline 'Carry' Plaster in Bethnal Green, East London. The two had been friends prior to the War and corresponded while Benny served his country in the Royal Navy.

Together they had two children. Patricia (1947) and Christine (1953). By 1960 they were all resident in Harold Hill, Essex.

Around 1971 the family, minus Christine, emigrated to Australia. It is believed their first port of call was Parramatta - on the edge of Sydney - where they ran a fruit and veg shop It is believed they later moved to Adelaide.

Prior to emigrating both girls married. Christine married Steve Bacon and the couple had a period of living in Romford, Essex (Allandale Road). They had a son, Marc, though they separated after a few years. 

A photo of the girls when they were just approaching school age and their mother - Carry Swallow - can be found by clicking this link: Robert Swallow Wedding Group Photo.