Tom WATSON

26 October 1917

WATSON – Died from wounds received in action on the Western Front, Private Tom Watson, York and Lancaster Regiment, formerly of Main Street, Embsay, aged 24 years.

26 October 1917

EMBSAY – ANOTHER SACRIFICE

A telegram was received on Saturday afternoon from the Records Office, York, announcing the death of Private Tom Watson, of Main Street, Embsay. Private Watson was 24 years of age, and joined the York and Lancasters in January of this year, proceeding to France in June last, and is now reported as having died there from wounds received in action. While residing in the village, Private Watson was employed by Messrs. J. and J. Wilkinson at the tobacco factory, and was an active member of the Embsay Cricket Club. He subsequently was engaged as traveller for Messrs. Moss, provision merchants, of Otley.

The following letter has been received:–

Tuesday, October 16th 1917.

“My dear Mrs. & Miss Watson, – It is with a very sad heart that I now write a few lines in relation to the death of your son and my dear friend Tom, who was killed in action on Tuesday, October 9th. It was about 7.30 on the morning of the advance that he received his wound from a piece of shrapnel, which struck him on the head. It was impossible to get him to the dressing station as the ground was in a very bad state, and worse than that, it was almost certain death for anyone to show himself as the enemy was doing terrible work – sniping even wounded and stretcher bearers. I myself saw several wounded killed trying to get back. With conditions like these I could do nothing except put his field dressing on, and make him as comfortable as I could, and wait till dark, hoping that we should be able to get him away then; but when night came I and the remainder of the section had to go forward to dig a gun post and so I was forced to leave him, but before doing so I reported to the platoon sergeant, and he promised to get him away if possible. Later he told me that almost everyone of the stretch bearers had been either wounded or killed. I saw him again about 12-o’clock midnight and found that he had passed away. He was very much respected by all the lads in the platoon, and they send their very deepest sympathy. I pray that God will give you strength to overcome this great loss, and that in His good time war shall cease and we shall have a peace, which shall be unbroken. I am now in hospital suffering from trench feet and rheumatism and my address is Pte. J. Phetheau, 33122, 1/4 York and Lancs. Regt., No. 3 Ward, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, Boulogne, France. I would be very pleased if you would let me know if you receive this, as it was a promise we both made when we came out, that should anything happen each one would write. My greatest sorrow is that I could not see him buried. I will now close sending my deepest sympathy to all affected by the loss of my dear pal. I remain, Yours still mourning, J. PHETHEAU.”