Arthur Watkinson

Lance Corpl. Watkinson Worksop Guardian 20 October 1916 The death took place in Chatham Hospital, on the 9th inst., of Lanc-Corpl,. Watkinson, of the Sherwood Foresters, youngest son of Mr and Mrs. John Watkinson; 132 Kilton Road, Worksop. The deceased, who was only 20, had perhaps seen more service than falls to a lot of most young men of his age. He enlisted on August 18th, 1914, and after undergoing the usual training he took part in the Gallipoli Expedition. He was in the famous landing at Sulva Bay, where the Sherwood Foresters fought with their traditional gallantry, and where young Watkinson received his baptism fire. Happily he escaped injury, but was attacked by disease, dysentery keeping him in hospital for a while. Recovering, he was in the trenches in the Suez Canal, and later his Batt: was drafted to France, where it was given such a magnificent account of itself. He was wounded in the terrible fighting at Thiepyal on September 26th, and, singularly enough, his brother-in-Law, Pioneer Stubbs, Royal Engineers, was within two miles of him at the time, but was unaware of the fact till afterwards. For a night and a day young Watkinson lay under a hedge with two German prisoners, both of whom were also wounded.’ In their pain and suffering, hostilities were suspended. The Germans asked for mercy and pleaded for water, and Lance Corpl., shared his supplies’ with them. He had been shot through both his jaws and also in the body, poor fellow, he did not know how badly he was wounded. It was his shouts for help that led to the Ambulance men coming to his aid and that of the prisoners. No distinctions were made and the three were removed from the field. Watkinson being taken to Boulogne, and afterwards brought to Chatham. He was seen here by his parents, sisters, and brothers, and it was here when the end came, he passing away very peacefully. His body was conveyed to Worksop for internment and it was understood at Chatham that the dead could be accorded those military honours which his services so well merited. Unfortunately, it was not found possible for this proposal to be carried out, though it was expected that an escort would have been sent from Doncaster. The funeral took place on Friday, and the Defence Corps was unable to parade, though it furnished a firing party. Neither was a bugler in attendance to sound the Last Post over the grave of one of Worksop’s young hero’s. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. W.Pedley Primitive Church Methodist Minister, the deceased being an old choirboy at Zion Chapel. (Photo included in original publication)

He is buried in a family grave at Worksop (Retford Road) Cemetery Soldiers Died in the Great War - Watkinson Arthur, born Worksop Nott's, enlisted Worksop, 12866, Private, died of wounds, Home, 9/10/16.