Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
ff
86869   Private William James Watson
Save as PDF
Dated added: 07/02/2017   Last updated: 04/06/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 16th Company, Machine Gun Corps (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 08/06/1897
Died: 20/11/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age: 20
Summary      
William James Watson was the eldest son of James and Sarah Ann Watson. He was born on 8th June 1897 in Caledon, County Tyrone. By the time of the 1901 census, the family had moved to Knocknagoney, Ballyhackamore, County Down. His father, James Watson, was an agricultural labourer. William was with the Royal Army Service Corps for a time. Private William James Watson was serving with the 16th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) when he was killed in action on Tuesday 20th November 1917. His parents lived at 78 Church Street East, Belfast.
Read more on Private William James Watson
Cemetery Details
Cemetery: Ribecourt British Cemetery
  Ribecourt, Nord, 4
Grave Ref: Sp Mem A-22
CWGC Casualty 595747
Summary      
Ribecourt-la-Tour is a village about 10 kilometres south-west of Cambrai. Ribecourt British Cemetery lies on the south side of the village on the D89 heading towards Villers Plouich.
portrait
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Watson family Lists William James as age 3, living with the family at house 9 in Knocknagoney, Ballyhackamore, Down
2 FindAGrave.com Photo of Private William J Watson's gravestone
3 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Private William J Watson
4 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here
5 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Private William J Watson's gravestone can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023