William Robert Watson

William was born in near Holbeach, Lincolnshire in 1896. His parents were Henry and Julia Watson. In 1901 his father was the innkeeper at the Ram Inn, Whaplode, Lincs. By 1911 the family had moved to Stamford and were living at 6 Belton Street. His father had become a farm labourer. William and his older brother James were also farm labourers. Phyllis was their younger sister.
William’s records of his military service have not been located, but he is listed amongst those who were killed in action. From this record it is known that he enlisted in the Lincolnshire Regiment and fought in the Western European Theatre (France and Flanders). He was killed in action on the 8th October 1918. This was probably in the Battle of Cambrai when 10,000 men were lost in the two days. It was an allied victory. He is buried in the Bois des Angles British Cemetery in the Departement de Nord Pas de Calais.

He received the British and Victory Medals. Attached to this record is an address in Cowbit, Spalding. So the family had probably moved back to this area. His death is also recorded on the Cowbit St. Mary Memorial.