William Thornton WATSON MC + Bar, DCM

William Thornton WATSON MC + Bar, DCM Update Details

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WATSON, William Thornton

Service Numbers:	4377, Officer, NX144850, NX144850, N60235
Enlisted:	19 March 1915
Last Rank:	Major
Last Unit:	1 Papuan Infantry Battalion
Born:	Nelson, New Zealand, 10 November 1892
Home Town:	Sydney, City of Sydney, New South Wales
Schooling:	Not yet discovered
Occupation:	Salesman
Died:	Veterans Administration Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, USA, 9 September 1961, aged 68 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery:	Not yet discovered
Memorials:

World War 1 Service

19 Mar 1915:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Gunner, 4377, 1st Field Artillery Brigade
26 Jun 1915:	Involvement Gunner, 4377, 1st Field Artillery Brigade, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '3' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Berrima embarkation_ship_number: A35 public_note: ''
26 Jun 1915:	Embarked Gunner, 4377, 1st Field Artillery Brigade, HMAT Berrima, Sydney
15 Feb 1920:	Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, Officer, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade

World War 2 Service

21 Feb 1940:	Enlisted Major, NX144850, N60235, 1 Papuan Infantry Battalion
21 Feb 1940:	Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Major, NX144850

Help us honour William Thornton Watson's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great gallantry and coolness in going to the assistance of wounded men, under heavy fire. He has set a splendid example throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Foucoucourt, on 27th August, 1918, when he accompanied the attacking infantry as forward Observation Officer. The enemy offered strong resistance, frequently holding up the advance with machine gun fire. In one case, he worked his way forward several hundred yards in front of our outposts, directing the fire of three batteries, which gave great assistance to the infantry by barraging machine gun nests and strong posts. he showed fine courage and initiative throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry at Nauroy, near Bellicourt, on the night of 2nd-3rd October, 1918. His battery was the centre of an enemy bombardment, which continued for over four hours. Though badly gassed himself, he tried to save the life of a wounded officer. He showed great energy and devotion to duty, and stayed with his battery until next day, when it was withdrawn from the line.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 10
Date: 29 January 1920

Captained AIF Rugby XV: King's Cup competition, United Kingdom, 1919; Australia, 1919; South Africa, 1919.

Also served in World War II in 2nd Garrison Bn from 4 March 1940 (appointed Temporary Captain, 15 June 1940); transferred to 1st Papuan Infantry Bn, 26 June 1940.

Virtual
War Memorial
Australia