26549 Private 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Edward Sweet was born in 1880, in North Petherton, to brewer's clerk James Sweet and Emily Maria Cullen. By 1901 the family had moved to 6 Blake Street Bridgwater, and Edward, aged 16, had followed his father and older brother and was working as a brewer's clerk. James Sweet died in 1902 and in 1911 we find just Emily and Edward living in the family home in Blake Street. Edward was 26 and unmarried, but still working in the brewery.
Sometime during the war Edward enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry. On 2 January 1918 the Bridgwater Mercury reported that Edward was missing in action. He appears to have been killed in action 30th November 1917 during the German counter attack during the battle of Cambrai. His body seems to have been subsequently lost, but his name is on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. His name was also added to the family memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery, number 845. The inscription reads: 'In Loving Memory of James Sweet who died August 23rd 1902 aged 53 years. Looking unto Jesus...of pure faith. Also Emily MC Sweet wife of the above who died October 21st 1920 aged 69 years. His end was peace. Also Edward C Sweet killed in action November 30th 1917 aged 37 years. Buried at Mesnieres the supreme sacrifice'.
