Henry Watson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Henry Watson was born in 1878 at Basford. He married Maria Pearce in 1901 their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration district, they lived at 5 Prospect Terrace, Alfreton Road, Nottingham and had 2 children, Alice b1903 and Harry b1906 both born in Basford In the 1911 census the family are living at 33 Fox Grove, Old Basford, Nottingham and are shown as Henry 33 yrs a joiner, he is living with his wife Maria 36 yrs and their children Alice 8 yrs a scholar and Harry 5 yrs a scholar
Air Mechanic 3rd Class Henry Watson, Royal Air Force, was killed in an accident at the Waddington aerodrome on 26th April 1918. He is buried in Nottingham (New Basford) Cemetery. “The cause of the accident was, in our opinion due to the indefinite wording of the Wing Order in question, in that the path leading from the range to No. 48 T.S. Sheds, might be taken to be on the outskirts of the Aerodrome. As the path was used daily by the majority of the camp, there can be no blame attached to 3/AM. Watson H. for assuming he was in the right. (ii) Under the circumstances no blame can be attached to the pilot of the machine D.H.9. 5555.” Above details are from his Casualty Card , at RAF Museum Hendon and is courtesy of Jim Grundy.
In memoriam notices published in the Nottingham Evening Post dated 26th April 1919 :- “WATSON. – In ever-loving memory of Pte. H. Watson, R.A.F., who was accidentally killed by aeroplane April 26th 1918. Memory will never fade. – Mother, father, sisters, and brothers-in-law Will, Harry, And Alf (in Belgium), aunt Sarah and cousin Jim. “WATSON. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Henry Watson, 3rd A.M., who was accidentally killed at Waddington Aerodrome April 26th, 1918. Ever in our thoughts. Sad day of remembrance. – Wife and two children. Also my dear brother, Robert Pearce killed in action March 12th, 1915. It is sweet to know we shall meet our loved ones again. At rest.” Above in memoriam notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great Hucknall 1914 His brother in law, Pte. Richard Robert Pearce, 1st Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, was killed in action 12th March 1915. He was the 40 year-old husband of Maria Beatrice Pearce, of 54 Redoubt Street, Old Radford, and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial.
