Born: 1881, Bradford
Died: 21 November 1916
Buried: Foncquevillers MIlitary Cemetery
Address: 62 Wellington Road, Eccleshill
Parents: Frederick & Mary Jane, nee Kemp
Spouse:
Siblings: Frances, James, Sylvester
Occupation: Woolcomber
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Pte
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Eccleshill, Park & St Luke’s
Children:
Regiment: Duke of Wellington’s
Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson was born in 1881
in Bradford the son of Frederick
and Mary Jane, nee Kemp. Nine
children had been born to Frederick
and Mary Jane but only four
survived.
In 1911 Thomas, at 29 years of age,
was working in a combing mill. He
enlisted on the 3rd of December
1915 as Private 5334 in the 1/6th
Battalion of the Duke of
Wellington’s (West Riding
Regiment).
He was 34 years 198 days in age
and a woolcomber of 62 Wellington
Road. He was 5 foot 4 ½ inches in
height and he weighed ll8lbs. His
chest measurement was 36 inches
and his physical development was
described as very good although he
had a hammer toe on his left foot.
His vision is also given as 6/6.
The 1/6th Battalion became part of
the 49th West Riding Division
which was involved in the Battles
of the Somme in 1916, at the Battle
of Albert on the first day, the Battle
of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozieres
and at Flers-Courcelette.
The Somme offensive ground to a
halt on the 18th of November and
Thomas had survived only to be
killed in action three days later on
the 21st of November 1916. He
was 35 years of age.
Writing to his parents Lieutenant
Ogston said “It is with deep regret
that I have to inform you of your
son’s death. He was killed by a
shell this morning. He was a good
soldier and was always willing to
do anything. Please accept my
deepest sympathy”.
Thomas was buried at
Foncquevillers Military Cemetery.
He left his effects to his mother
Mary Jane who received £2.16.7d
on the 15th May 1917 and a War
Gratuity of £3.0.0d on the 15th
October 1919.
Researched and written by Jean
Britteon, to whom many thanks
