| Notes: | MMP. Awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp (32262) and Rose, Victory Medal and War Medal. First served abroad (1) France, 9/9/1914. Shown as serving with 18th Inf Bde, 6 Division on medal card. Has 2 medal cards Sweet W and Sweet W H. He was born in Soho, London and enlisted on the 3/6/1901, age 19.2 years, occupation Boot-maker. Served 7 Hussars. No. 5693 and 11 Hussars 1/5/1904 No. 5343. Served Home 3/6/1901 to 19/5/1905, Egypt 20/5/1905 to 23/11/1911, Home 24/3/1911 to 7/9/1914, BEF 8/9/1914 to 22/8/1919, Home 23/8/1919 to 29/6/1920. Awarded Saddler's Certificate (Superior) Woolwich No. 42 dated 31/3/1904. Transferred to MMP. 5/7/1905. Home address: 11 Midsummer Avenue, Staines Road, Hounslow.
Info from Pension Index Card:- Sweet, William Henry, MMP, Sgt, 636, 29/6/20 to discharge, SFJ.5371. Stamp: Ad 29/7/20 at 19/3 from 30/6/20 for life, Chelsea no. 26132/F, received 30/7/20.
William Henry Sweet.
He has the same No. as Pte J Gazely, MFP.
Extract from the Devizes and Wilts Advertiser 24 April 1913. MAKING FREE WITH WAR OFFICE PROPERTY - A case from Erchfout: Warning to Campers.
At Devizes County Magistrates' Office on Friday, before Mr. A Grant-Meek (in the chair) and Mr. D. W. Butler, a member of the gipsy fraternity, named Joseph Light, was brought up in custody charged with camping on War Office land in the parish of Erchfout, without having previously obtained the consent of the General Officer Commanding the Southern Administration.
It appears to be a practice with the nomadic tribes who travel from fair to fair, to halt on Salisbury Plain and make free with firewood, and to live rent free as long as possible. In consequence of complaints, the military authorities have taken precautions to prevent this, as far as possible and on Thursday last Corporal Sweet and Corporal Royal, of the Military Mounted Police were on the look out near Pond Farm Camp, which judging by the number of marks of fires having been used, seems to be a popular camping place. They "rounded up" one family, who were en route for Devizes Fair and the sequel was the holding of a magistrates investigation on Friday.
Corporal Royal, MMP, deposed that on the previous afternoon he received certain information from Corporal Sweet, as the result of which he went to Pond Farm Camp, where found the prisoner, Joseph Light, with a large fire, which he had kindled with wood taken from the trees there. There were four horses belonging to defendant grazing there. Witness asked him if he was aware that he was trespassing on War Officer land. he replies "Yes.". There was a small four wheeled van there, as well as the four horses. Witness obtained the assistance of the police from Erchfout and the man was given into custody.
The Deputy Clerk (Mr. G. W. Spencer), to defendant: Do you wish to ask this witness any question?
Defendant: No Sir, It's quite right what he said. I had come from Salisbury that day, 16 or 17 miles and I had just stopped to make a fire and get a cup of tea.
In reply to a question, Corpl. Royal said Erchfout was about two miles from Pond Farm Camp.
The Chairman (to defendant): You knew you had not business there.
Light: Quite right. I was only there about an hour, sir. I am very sorry it happened. I have never been there before and never had any case against me before.
The Chairman; Where did you get the wood from to make a large fire?
Defendant; I picked it up. There was plenty lying about there 0brush wood.
The Corporal said there were a number of fire places about the camping ground.
Corporal Sweet was in court, but the Bench decided that his evidence was not necessary.
The Chairman said this custom must be stopped. There was a heavy penalty and in this case defendant was aware of the byelaws. he would have to pay a fine of 10s and 11s 6d costs.
The Chairman; Now. don't come here again.
Defendant; The next time I come on that land, sir, give me a moth's hard labour.
The Chairman; You may not get off so lightly as that.
The money was paid.
Extract from the Army and Navy Gazette 24 July 1915.
Military Mounted Police: Sergt. W Sweet. |
