Regimental number(s): 124240 / 34339. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 10148 – 11, Item: 302182, PDR:- B10148-SO11. Date of Birth: 03/03/1875 in Harwich Twsp., Kent Co., ON. Married to Sarah, Next of Kin:- wife, they were living at R. R. # 1 Morpeth, Howard Twsp., Kent Co., ON. where he was a fisherman. Married, Vaccinated. Listed as being in a ‘active Military’.

Private William Charles Watson left Chatham for overseas August 19th, 1914, arriving in England October 18th, 1914. he proceeded to France November 8th, 1914, and was transferred to No.2 Base Hospital, Boulogne.

Written in pencil; decorated with Mons Star Medal in letter of Jan 24-1918-

The parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles Watson received a letter from there “son at the front with the Canadian contingent:

Dear Mother and Father:

I am writing – you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am in France now, have been for the past week. I guess I will be able to talk French when I get back, as I am learning it very fast. The money over here is very funny, and is hard to count right, but we never have to count right, but we never have any trouble with it, as we never have any to count.

Watson 

The Chatham boys with the staff in France are Ptes: Brennan, Fletcher, Joseph, McLean, F. McLean, Moody and Watson.

With the 1^st Contingent left Chatham served 2 years 3 months in France. He wishes to be remembered to all his Chatham friends. He reports it is raining and blowing every day and the weather is very miserable he is stationed and wishes the War would soon end. Wishing all his friends a MERRY Christmas. He would like to hear from any of them. 15/12/16 

 Attestation: 20/10/1915 at Ridgetown, ON to 70^th Bn. 

With the 1^st Contingent left Chatham served 2 years 3 months in France. He wishes to be remembered to all his Chatham friends. He reports it is raining and blowing every day and the weather is very miserable he is stationed and wishes the War would soon end. Wishing all his friends a MERRY Christmas. He would like to hear from any of them. 15/12/16.

Attestation: 20/10/1915 at Ridgetown, ON to 70^th Bn.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	Mons Star Medal
Sources	Chatham Daily Planet (16-11-1914), Chatham Daily Planet (02-12-1914), Chatham Daily Planet (21-12-1914), Chatham Daily Planet (22-12-1914), Chatham Daily Planet (20-05-1919), Chatham Daily Planet (22-05-1919)

Height	5'6"
Eye Colour	Blue
Age	16
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Brown
Race	White
Birthplace	Chatham, Ontario
Religion	Anglican
Last Place of Employment	Chatham Gas Company
Average Earnings	$ 2.75 per day
Marital Status	Single
When Enlisted	August 19th, 1914
Where Enlisted	Chatham, Ontario
Next of Kin	Parents- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Watson, Chatham. Sister- Carrie Pearl Watson, Beatrice Watson, Mildred Watson. Brother- Edward Watson, Ronald Watson.

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.