Private Evi William Sweetman

Born: 2nd Quarter 1881

Date of Death: 16th September 1914

Age: 33

Early Life
Evi Sweetman was born in the second quarter of 1881 in Upavon, Wiltshire.

In the 1891 Census, Evi was living with his parents, George, an agricultural labourer, and Martha Sweetman. At that time, Evi was the youngest child in the household. He had an elder brother, Anes, who worked as a farm labourer, and two older sisters, Annie and Fanny.

By 1901, the family was still residing in Upavon, but Evi does not appear on the Census return for that year, and his whereabouts during this period remain unclear.

In 1908, Evi’s father, George Sweetman, passed away.

In the 1911 Census, Evi was recorded living with his mother, Martha, in Upavon. At that time, he was an Army Reservist. Also living in the household was Martha’s grandson, Percival George Sweetman.

Military Service
According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Evi Sweetman served in D Company of the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.

The 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment at War
At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, the 1st Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment was stationed at Tidworth as part of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division.

The battalion deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force, landing in Rouen on August 14, 1914. They were quickly engaged in several key actions:

• The Battle of Mons and the rearguard action at Solesmes.
• The Battle of Le Cateau.
• The Battle of the Marne.
• The Battle of the Aisne.
• Actions at La Bassée, Messines, and the First Battle of Ypres.

Private Evi Sweetman, 6411, "D" Coy. 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment died on 16 September 1914, Age 35, according to his Army Register of Soldiers Effects he died in the Valley of Aisne.  Remembered with Honour, at La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial.