Joseph Watson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Joseph was born in 1883 the son of the late Joseph an agricultural labourer and Mary Ann Watson (née Holmes) of 73, Foxhill Road, Carlton. They were married in 1876 and had 11 children, 6 of whom died in infancy or early childhood. Joe Watson married Mabel Emma Pearson (born 23rd December 1890) in 1910 in the Basford Registration District. They lived at 27, New Row, Main Street, Carlton and had three children - Matilda Mary b.1910, Joseph b.1912 and Irene May b.1914. On the 1911 census, Joseph, Mabel and six month old Matilda Mary lived at 4, Albert Street, Gedling. With effect from 8/11/1915, Mabel received a weekly pension of 20/6d.
Joe Watson enlisted at Carlton, Nottingham in 1902 and he served in India for 7 years with 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters. A recalled reservist, he landed in France on 4th November 1914 and was killed in action on 21st April 1915. He is buried at Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France.
Beeston Gazette & Echo, 8 January 1916 (photograph) ‘Pte. Joe Watson. He was a native of Carlton, and, prior to going to the Front, lived with his wife and family at 27, New row, off Main street. He was a member of the Sherwood Foresters, and was killed at the beginning of May [1915] leaving behind a widow and three children, the eldest being five years old.’ Beeston Gazette and Echo, 15 May 1915: 'More Local Victims of the Huns. Private J Watson of Carlton. Private Joe Watson, who as stated in our last issue, has been killed 'somewhere in France,,' was a native of Carlton, and his widow still resides at 27, Ne row, Main street. He was a member of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters, having served about 13 years with his regiment and was in India seven years. Being on the reserves he was one of the first to be called up and left Carlton for the colours during the first week in August. He was sent out to the front on November 4th, and was killed about a fortnight ago. In addition a to a widow he leaves behind three children - one boy and two girls. the eldest child is aged five years and the youngest ten months.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Beeston Gazette and Echo, 'Roll of Honour', 8 May 1915: 'Watson. Killed in France while on active service,Joseph Watson, of 27 New row, Main street, Carlton.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Beeston Gazette and Echo, 8 May 1915: 'A Carlton Hero Killed. We regret to have to record the fact that another Carlton hero has been killed while fighting for his King and country in France. Mrs Watson, who lives at 27, New Row, Main street, Carlton, has this week received the sad news that her husband has been killed. The news was conveyed to her in a letter sent by Corporal Woolley, of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters, who says, 'I have a very painful job, as I am writing to let you know that your husband Joe has been killed in action. I am pleased to say that he died the same as he lived - a soldier. He did his duty like a soldier and a man. He was my chum and we have been together all through the war and I am very sorry to lose him. He proved to be as good as a father to me, and we had planned to have such a time together when we got home. Never mind, God wanted Joe, and it was his time, so rest in peace. He suffered no pain, as he only lived two minutes after he had been hit. I only hope that when it is my time to go I shall be called away the same way as Joe has gone. I have had your address since we were mobilised, so you can see that we have known each other for a long time. God bless you and the little ones that Joe used to talk about so much.' We hope to publish a photograph of the deceased in our next issue, along with additional details.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uki) Research by Peter Gillings
