Major Swaine served with the 17th Lancers in the Zulu war of 1879, and was present in the engagement at Ulundi (Medal with Clasp). Served in the Boer war of 1881 as Aide de Camp to Major General Drury Lowe, Commanding the Cavalry Brigade. Served in the Egyptian war of 1882 as Aide De-camp to Major General Drury Lowe, Commanding the Cavaliy Division, and was present at the engagements of El Magl'ar and Tel-el-Mahuta, the two actions at Kassasin, the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, and the capture of Cairo (mentioned in despatches. Brevet of Major, Medal with Clasp, 4th Class of the Medjidie, and Khedive's Star). Served in the Nile Expedition in 1884-85 with the Light Camel Regiment, and took part in the operations of the Desert Column (Clasp).