Arthur Roy Watson
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Arthur Roy Watson was the son of Arthur (from Glasgow) and Agnes Watson and the brother of John (b.1924) and George (b.1928). They lived at 48, Carrisbrooke Drive Mapperley. Arthur snr. was the assistant managing director of Stanton Iron Works. Arthur Roy arrended Nottingham High School between 1934and 1939. He played for the school's First XV Rugby and Second XI cricket teams and becane a prefect. Watson became a sergeant in the High School OTC and was appointed Drum Major in 1938.
NOTTINGHAM SOUTHERN CEMETERY Sec M24 Grave 74
Watson arrived at Cranwell in September 1939 but transferred to RAFVR as Airman UT (Under Training). After training, 14/4/40 he was commissioned Pilot Officer on probation. Next day he was deployed to 152 (Hyderabad) Sqdn at RAF Warmwell Dorset. The station was a gift and took as its badge the headdress of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The squadron's Spitfires were tasked with defending Y Sector including Portland Naval Base.
Watson was by all accounts an aggressive and successful pilot. Soon in action, he damaged a Junkers 88 on August 22nd and shot down a Heinkel III on September 15th . On September 27th he shot down a Ju88 and a Messerschmitt Bf110. Wounded, he was given sick leave, returning to duty on Novenber 8th 1940.
On November 28th, Watson took off in Spitfire Is R6597 from Warmwell to intercept enemy bombers and their fighter escort but was shot down in aerial combat with Me 109s. Watson baled out but his parachute failed to open and he fell to his death near the village of Arne.
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Arthur Roy Watson
Photo: aircrewremembered.com
Arthur Roy Watson as Drum Major at Nottingham High School
Photo: aircrewremembered.com
Arthur Roy Watson with his Spitfire
Photo: aircrewremembered.com
Arthur Roy Watson's grave at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill)
Photo: David Nunn
Arthur Roy Watson's headstone
Photo: David Nunn