| Watson | Charles Frederick | | Lieutenant | WATSON, CHARLES FREDERICK, Lieutenant, was born 29 June 1877, son of Colonel Fred Watson. He was educated at Wellington College, and entered the Army, from the Militia, as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal West Surrey Regiment 8 June 1898, becoming Lieutenant 7 May 1900. He served in South Africa from 1899 to 1902, and was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 27 February 1900, and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal (March to June 1900), including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 5 June); operations in the Transvaal 30 November 190O to March 1901, and May 1901 to 31 May 1902; operations in Orange River Colony, April and August 1901; operations in Cape Colony, May 1902. He was mentioned in Sir Redvers Buller's Despatches of 30 March and 9 November 1900 [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Charles Frederick Watson, Lieutenant, Royal West Surrey Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 24 October 1902. He became Captain 7 June 1903; passed through the Staff College, Camberley; became Brevet Major 28 September 1914. Major Watson saw active service in the European War; was employed as GSO3, with the 2nd Division, BEF, November 1914 to February 1915; as GSO2, 23rd Division, February 1915 to February 1916, and as GS01, with the latter Division until January 1917. In April and May 1917, he commanded a Service Battalion of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, and was GS01 at the General Headquarters of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force from July to September, becoming then Brigade Commander of the 139th Infantry Brigade, with this force. He was given his Brevet Lieutenant Colonelcy January 1918, and his Brevet Colonelcy 3 June 1919. He was created a CMG for his services in the war in 1916, and was three times mentioned in Despatches. Colonel Watson married, in 1906, Winifred, daughter of W H Woodruff, and they had two sons.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Queen's) Royal West Surrey Regiment |
