Robert Scott Watson MC

Rank:

Captain

Regimental number:

63943

Unit at enlistment:

23rd Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Military Cross

Commemorated at:

Grace Anglican Church, St. James Anglican Church (Paris), Paris District High School Honour Roll

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Middlesex

Birth city:

Strathroy, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

64 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

222-46 Grand River Avenue, Brantford, Ontario C/O Watson Manufacturing Company

Trade or calling:

Clerk

Employer:

Watson Manufacturing Co.

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29859
Date: December 11, 1916
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Authority: R.O. 2490. Currie, November 5, 1916
Name: Robert Scott Watson (Lieutenant)
Unit: 4th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry in action. He showed marked courage and initiative during, the consolidation of the position. Later, he returned over open ground under intense fire and made a valuable report to the Battalion Commander. He has previously done fine work.

BX May 17, 1917

Lieutenant Robert Scott Watson Reported Wounded

Mr. Ernest P. Watson of the Watson Manufacturing Company has received word that his son, Lieutenant Robert Scott Watson, was dangerously ill and suffering from gunshot wounds in the back and leg. Later a telegram was received from his brother, Captain Harry Watson of the Fort Garry Horse, to the effect that his condition was somewhat improved.

BX August 7, 1917

Lieutenant Robert Scott Watson on a Furlough – Winner of Military Cross Returned Home on Saturday

Lieutenant Robert Scott Watson, Military Cross winner, returned to his home in the city on Saturday, being invalided home on furlough. He is today in Toronto, before a medical board.

Lieutenant Watson, who is a son of Mr. Ernest P. Watson of this city, was at Ross B.C. when war broke out and immediately enlisted, eventually being a member of the famous “Mad Fourth” Battalion, which has many connections with this city. He was for 22 months in the trenches, and was finally laid out by a German sniper, being wounded in the back, lungs and throat. His wounds have well healed, but his vocal cords are affected. Though he can’t talk, he can give words of command, and he was allowed home on furlough to bring these up to strength.

“Oh pahaw,” was his retort when he was asked how he won the Military Cross. The official record however, states that he won it for bravery in the battle of the Somme. It was at Fresnoy that he was wounded.

BX December 18, 1965

MC Holder, R.S. Watson, Dies at 77

A former member of the 4th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Major Robert Scott Watson, MC, died Saturday in Hamilton, he was 77.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Watson of Brantford, he was born in Strathroy and lived most of his life in Hamilton. His father was general manager of the Watson Manufacturing Company in Brantford.

He joined the “Mad Fourth” at the outbreak of the First Great War, was wounded in France and was awarded the Military Cross.

In 1936 he returned to the European battlefield sites, carrying the First Division’s regimental colors. The trip, part of the Vimy pilgrimage, brought emblazoning of battle honors on the colors.

He was elected president of the Fourth Battalion Association in 1939, and a few months later headed the 2nd Battalion, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.

His son, Flt. Lt. James Watson, a bomber pilot, was killed in action.

In 1944 Major Watson, a founding member of the Hamilton District Officers’ Institute, was elected president of the group. Three years later, as a member of the club’s board of governors, he acted as host to former Governor-General Viscount Alexander of Tunis.

Earlier in 1947 he was elected to the council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. In 1953 he served as chairman of Hamilton’s Red Cross campaign committee.

Predeceased by his wife, the former Mary Kathleen Foley, Maj. Watson is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Robert Farmer (Barbara) of New Liskeard, and his brother, Lt.-Col. H.G. Watson (retired) of Brantford.