WATSON, Harry Thomas


No.40289, Private, Harry Thomas WATSON
Aged 29


10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers
formerly 8397, The Queen's Own (Royal West Surrey Regimenmt)
Killed in Action on 20th May 1917


Harry Thomas Watson was born in Barrow (1st qtr 1888 Thngoe 4a:708) son of Harry Walter and Florence WATSON (née JENNINGS)

1891 census...Aged 3, he was at the Grocer's Shop and Post Office, Barrow with his father Harry W WATSON [27] grocer/draper/baker; his mother Florence [27] born Bury St.Edmunds; sister Stella B [2]. All except his mother born in Barrow.

1901 census...Aged 13, he was boarding with schoolmaster Thomas Jones and wife at 6 Hoeny Hill, Bury St.Edmunds. His parents were still at the Post Office, Barrow with his sisters Tessie (Stella) and Gladys [5]; brother Walter [8]; widow Harriet JENNINGS (his grandmother ?)

1911 census...Aged 23, a domestic gardener, he was boarding at The Gardens, Langley Park, Norwich. His parents were still at the Post Office, Barrow with his brother Charles [7] and sister Queenie [2]



He enlisted in Putney, London
The battalion war diary:-
"Roussel Farm 20 May ..11am to 12.15pm..Battalion at Roussel Farm. Dispositions of companies similar. Divine Service held during morning. "B" and "C" Coys paraded for gas helmet inspection and drill, followed by handling of arms and bombing. Working parties as yesterday. During the afternoon the Chateau grounds were heavily shelled, "A" and "D" Coys suffering the following casualties:- 1 OR killed, 2 OR wounded, one remaining at duty."






photo CWGC

Harry Watson is buried in Ferme Olivier Cemetery, Belgium 3:C:14

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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