Arthur Henry Watson

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Thu, 23/07/2015 - 13:57

First Name:

Arthur

Middle Name:

Henry

Last Name:

Watson

Mother's Name:

Annie (nee Organ)

Father's Name:

Henry Watson

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, November 12, 1914

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Corporall

Unit:

4th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Details:

Arthur Watson was born about 1886. At the time of enlistment (Service No 1658) he was a single 28 year old labourer, living in Wollongong, NSW, and had spent 10 years in the CMF.

He embarked on HMAT A49 Seang Choon on 11th February 1915 with 3rd Reinforcements, 4th battalion and saw service on Gallipoli with them until he was evacuated to hospital in Egypt in June 1915 for treatment for Rheumatic Fever. He was returned to Australia and discharged medically unfit.

On 12th September 1916 Arthur re-enlisted (Service No 6620) and embarked on HMAT A60 Aneas on 30th September 1916 with 21st Reinforcements, 4th battalion. He arrived in France on 30th December 1916 and was back with 4th battalion on 1st January 1917. He saw service on the Western Front until 3rd March 1917 when he was wounded in action. He was evacuated to hospital for treatment to a gun shot wound to his knee. On 20th August 1917 his leg was amputated and for a second time he was returned to Australia and discharged medically unfit, with the rank of Corporal, on 16th October 1918. No date is given for this promotion.

Arthur Watson died in 1942 at Randwick. He is remembered on the Wollongong Congregational Church Roll of Honour.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, WATSON A H