Arthur James WATSON

25 May 1917

WATSON – Killed in action in France, Lance-Corpl. Arthur Watson, West Riding Regiment, eldest son of Mrs. Watson, Victoria Terrace, Bradley, aged 24 years.

25 May 1917

BRADLEY – ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE HUNS

Lance-Corporal Arthur Watson, eldest son of Mrs. Watson, Victoria Terrace, Bradley, has been killed in action. He was 24 years of age and enlisted on December 9th, 1914, in the West Riding Regiment, and went to France in February this year. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Messrs. P. Green and Co. as a twister. The deepest sympathy is felt for Mrs. Watson, who has two other sons at the Front, and one in this country, training. The following letter was received by Mrs. Watson on Wednesday the 23rd:–

“May 17th 1917,
Active Service.

“Dear Mrs. Watson, – I hope you will excuse me writing these few lines, but on behalf of myself and the boys we offer you our very deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear son who was in our platoon. I suppose by now you will have had a letter from the officer explaining how he was killed. I myself was with another party at the time of his death, but from what I can learn death was instantaneous, he being struck with shrapnel. He has been buried just outside the village near the line. We all feel the loss of your son more than words can tell, for he has been so long amongst us that we can hardly realise that he is gone. As British soldiers we cannot help but think of the dear ones at home and what they must suffer when they hear of their loss. We tender to you our true and deeply sincere regret at the loss you have sustained. Please accept our very deep sorrow. The knowledge that Arthur laid down his life in such a noble cause, and as a true British soldier as we always found him, will be a proud memory of his dear Pals. May God help you to meet this great trouble is the wish of us all.

“I remain, Yours very sincerely, SERGT. F. YATES.”

01 June 1917

BRADLEY – MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday afternoon in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, a special service was held in memory of Lance-Corporal Arthur J. Watson, whose death was reported in last week’s ‘Craven Herald.’ The service was conducted by Mr. John Gill. A short address was given by Mr. W. J. Mitchell, superintendent of the Sunday School. This is the second death that has taken place out of seventeen who have joined the Forces who had been connected with the Sunday School. Solos were given by Miss J. Walmsley and Mr. J. Gill, and Miss Ada Gill presided at the organ.

10 May 1918

WATSON – In loving memory of my dear son, Lance-Corporal Arthur James Watson, who was killed in action on Sunday May 13th, 1917.

Only a British soldier,
Only a dear mother’s pride,
He answered the call of honour,
Doing his duty he died.
But we have one consolation,
He bravely did his best,
Somewhere in France my dear lad sleeps,
A hero laid to rest.
Oh, Lord, to Thee we lift our prayer,
And leave him sleeping ‘neath Thy care.

From his Mother, also Brothers and Sisters, Lane End, Bradley.

09 May 1919

WATSON – In loving memory of my dear son, Lance-Corporal Arthur James Watson, who was killed in action on Sunday, May 13th, l917.

Comrades hands by love made tender,
Laid him ‘neath the sod;
And he sleeps with England’s heroes,
‘Neath the watchful care of God.

Frorn his Mother, Brothers, and Sisters, Bradley.