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.