Christopher Watchorn

Father: John Edward Watchorn, born in 1866 in Nottingham and working as a labourer before becoming a licensed victualler at "Loggerheads" in Red Lion Street, Nottingham. He died on 20/10/1899, leaving £236 2s 8d. Mother: Rose Watchorn, born in 1870 at Nottingham, and later a licensed victualler. Brothers: Charles, born in 1888 in Nottingham and John, born in 1889 in Nottingham and working as a barman. Rose remarried in July 1903 to Robert Connor, who was born in 1871 in Nottingham, and who took over as the licensed victualler of "Loggerheads." They had a daughter, Rose, born in 1906. Christopher's uncle (his mother's brother), Christopher Lawson, served in the 1/5th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers (43426 Private) and was killed on 2 September 1918 (Bac-du-Sud British Cemetery, Bailleulval). A cousin, Christopher Lawson, the son of his mother's brother, Michael, served in Anson Bn Royal Naval Division (KP/950 Able Seaman) and was killed on 13 November 1916 (Thiepval Memorial).

Pte. Watchorn volunteered for service, and following training with 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, was drafted to France on 25 August 1915. In the following year the battalion took part in the Battle of the Somme. They relieved 12th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, at Becourt Wood on 06 July 1916 and attacked German positions at Bailiff Wood. The battalion came under heavy machine gun fire from Contalmaison, resulting in 264 casualties, including Pte. Watchhorn. He has no known grave and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Poppies and a photograph of Christopher Lawson were left by the Loggerheads memorial in November 2014 in memory of Christopher Lawson, 1/5th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers killed in action 13 November 1916, and Christopher Watchorn. Obituaries published 15th August 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “WATCHORN. — Killed in action, July 7th, 1916, Private C. Watchorn (Bumper), Northumberland Fusiliers, dearly beloved son of Rose Connor, Loggerheads, Red Lion-street, aged 19 years. He bravely answered duty's call, he gave his life for one and all; the unknown the bitterest blow, none but aching hearts can know. Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. R.I.P. — From his sorrowing mother, sisters, and brothers, brother Jack (in France). “WATCHORN. — Killed in action, July 7th, 1916, Private C. Watchorn (Bumper), Northumberland Fusiliers, dearly loved brother of Charles and Ethel Watchorn, Woodman Inn, Red Lion-street. His welcome smile, his sweet face, never on earth can be replaced. Dearly loved and sadly missed. — From his loving Charlie (Aldershot), sister Ethel. “WATCHORN. — Killed in action, July 7th, 1916, Private C. Watchorn (Bumper), Northumberland Fusiliers, dearly loved brother of Jack and Emma Watchorn, Loggerheads, Red Lion-street. There's a strife on earth, in heaven there's rest, they miss him most who loved him best. — From his loving brother Jack (France), Emma.” In memoriam published 6th July 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “WATCHORN. – In sacred and cherished memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Christopher Watchorn (Bumper), the beloved son of Mrs. Connor, Loggerheads, Red Lion-street, killed in action July 7th, 1916, aged 19. He left home in perfect health, he looked so strong and brave, he little thought how soon he would be laid in a hero's grave; we think we see his smiling face, as he bid us his last good-bye; and left his home for ever, in a foreign land to die; he went out there to do his best, God grant him now eternal rest. For England's honour and France's right. – From his broken-hearted mother, stepfather, sister Rosie and brothers. “WATCHORN. – In cherished memory of our dear brother (Bumper), who made the great sacrifice July 7th, 1916. Always happy and cheerful, with a heart that knew no fear, he stood to face life's battles, for those he loved so dear. – From his loving brother Jack (in France), wife Emma, and baby. “WATCHORN. – In cherished remembrance of our dear brother, Pte. C. Watchorn (Bumper), who made the great sacrifice July 7th, 1916. He passed away in early life, so loving, so kind, and true, a credit to those he left behind, and was loved by all he knew. – Loving brother Charlie (Mesopotamia), wife Ethel, and little Jackie.” Above obituaries and in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1014-1918