David Henry Watson

Father: David Watson, born in 1854 at Mickleover, Derbyshire, working as a wood sawyer and later as a general dealer. Mother: Alice Watson, born 1859 at Tipton, Staffordshire. Sisters: Annie, born in 1885 at Tipton, Frances, born in 1886 at Tipton, Florence, born in 1890, also at Tipton, and working as a lace finisher, Henrietta, born in 1893 at Bilston, Staffordshire, and working as a lace scalloper, Grace, born in 1896 at Lenton, Nottingham and working as a lace pattern girl and Evelyn, born in November 1900 in Nottingham. The family lived at 58 King's Meadow Road, Nottingham before moving to Myrtle Cottage, 9, King's Meadow Rd., Meadows, Nottingham. His father died on 17 September 1927 age 74 and his mother on 11 April 1939 age 80. His sister EvelynDavid Henry Watson worked as a labourer., wife of Albert Challons, died 2 January 1930, age 29 years.

Watson was called up for service and attested on 22/05/1916 at Nottingham. He was finally mobilised on 04/12/1916 at Derby where he joined the South Staffordshire Regiment, No. 67880. He later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He embarked from Folkestone on 11/04/1917 and arrived at Boulogne the same day. He joined the Base Depot on 12/04/1917 and was placed with the 73rd Company on 23/04/1917. he was soon in action and on 04/08/1917 was taken to 96th Field Ambulance with shrapnel in the knee. He rejoined his company from hospital on 08/09/1917. On 21/03/1918 he was caught up in the great German offensive, Operation Michael and killed in action on that first day. His body was never recovered but his name was commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. (panel 90 to 93)

Nottingham Southern Cemetery family headstone: Family headstone: (David and Alice Watson) Also to the dear memory of David Henry, beloved son of the above, killed in action Mar. 22nd 1918 age 20 years. 'Sadly missed.' The headstone also commemorates 'Eveline, daughter of the above and the beloved wife of Albert Challons, who died Jan 2nd 1930 aged 29 years. For ever with the Lord'