Orders, Decorations and Medals

A ‘Kenya service’ M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Major W. S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Major, R.A.C.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Major, M.B.E., R.A.C.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Lt., R.A.C.) mounted as worn, some contact marks, very fine and better (7) £500-600

M.B.E. London Gazette 27 January 1956. ‘... in recognition of distinguished services in Kenya during the period 21 April to 20 October, 1955.’

Recommendation states:

‘Major Watson has served as a District Military Intelligence Officer for the last two years, first at Thomsons Falls, and then at South Nyeri Reserve. As a result of his leadership and devotion to duty, he built up an efficient intelligence organisation in both Districts, which directly contributed to Security Force successes. In South Nyeri Reserve, his organisation has been responsible for the death of over one hundred terrorists, and the capture of twenty-four others. In addition, thirty-nine terrorists have been wounded, and four precision weapons recovered. He has taken part himself in many intelligence operations, some of a hazardous nature. He has maintained excellent relations with the Police, Administration and Army, and has thereby assisted to build up confidence in the Intelligence organisation.’

With copied gazette and recommendation extracts.