Born in Hawaii and had lived in Samoa. Prior to enlistment 07 April 1917, he had been working as a labourer at Mangapoike, Wairoa, New Zealand and had lived the previous four years in New Zealand. Both his parents were born in Hawaii. Embarked on SS Ulimaroa 26 July 1917 and arrived Plymouth, United Kingdom 24 September 1917. Left for France 13 December 1917 and joined the New Zealand Māori (Pioneer) Battalion on 13 January 1918. He was then detached to the Rarotongan Company 20 January 1918 and embarked for Egypt 21 January 1918 to arrive Alexandra 4 February 1918. Posted to Rarotongan Company 15 February 1918 and returned on SS Malta which embarked on 14 December 1918. Name on Samoan memorial is Swankey, he embarked as Schwenkie but in a statutory declaration on 1 January 1918 he indicated that his correct name was Swenkie. Discharged 7 March 1919.