Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant W. F. Watson, Rifle Brigade

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Lieut. W. F. Watson, Rifle Brigade, August 1917’; Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Frank Watson, M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.) mounted as worn in that order, good very fine (4) £900-1200

M.C. London Gazette 18 March 1918. ‘T./2nd Lt., attd. Rif. Bde.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was ordered to take his platoon to reinforce an attack, and led them across a river in broad daylight in the face of sniping and machine-gun fire. He mopped up several enemy dugouts, and then took charge of a portion of the line, and was largely responsible for protecting the flank of the position against enemy counter-attack. He showed the greatest courage and initiative.’

William Francis Watson was born in 1887. A Civil Servant, he enlisted into the 16th Battalion Rifle Brigade on 22 April 1915. He was promoted to Company Sergeant-Major in June 1915 and entered the France/Flanders theatre of war in March 1916. Granted extra pay whilst employed with a Tunnelling Company, 17-21 April 1916. He was wounded on 4 July 1916 and again on 3 September 1916 - suffering a gunshot wound to the right leg. For the latter he was treated by the 134 Field Ambulance and then the 22 General Hospital at Camiers. He was invalided to Brighton on 9 September.

Recovering, he received a commission with the 11th Battalion Rifle Brigade. He returned to the front and was wounded once more in the attack on Langemarck, 7 August 1917 but was able to remain on duty. He was later awarded the M.C. for his bravery and leadership in action against the enemy.

With original Casualty Form and Protection Certificate; with copied war diary, war record and gazette extracts and m.i.c.