Friday 1 May 2015

Watson, David - Private (6303)

Pte David Watson
The King's Liverpool Regiment
Died: 16th August 1916
Age 21

Serre Road Cemetery No.2

Newspaper Report:

Information of the death of Private David Watson of the King's Liverpool Regiment and of 10 Bury Road Haslingden is contained in a letter addressed to his parents Mr and Mrs R Watson of Bury Road by Private Fletcher a pal of the deceased who says that Private Watson was shot through the head death being instantaneous. This happened in a bayonet charge. 

"We had just got to the trenches we were ordered to take, and were jumping in, when a sniper got Dave.  All the boys join in sending their sympathy to you in your bereavement". 

 Private Watson who was only 21 years of age, and leaves a wife and baby, carried on business as a barber and hairdresser in Bury Road, prior to joining the army.  He has two brothers serving with the colours; James Henry, who is at present in Egypt, after being in the Dardanelles campaign, and Quarter-Mater Sergeant Tom Watson, who, prior to joining the army was on the clerical staff at the Haslingden Municipal Offices.  At the memorial service, Mr. Paulson paid a striking tribute to the young soldier.  Miss Elton sang an appropriate solo and the choir rendered the selection "Peace, perfect peace."