British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Army Medical Corps, Alexander Memorial Medal, by J. S. & A. B. Wyon, obverse: bust of Thomas Alexander in uniform; reverse: figure of ‘Medicine’, in classical garments, seated before tents, a serpent entwined around her arm drinks from a bowl (Lt. Col. J. C. Watts, R.A.M.C., 1952) 42mm., silver-gilt, in leather case of issue, virtually extremely fine £150-200

The Alexander Memorial Prize consisted of a gilt medal and a purse of £550 provided from a fund raised by public subscription in the memory of Thomas Alexander C.B., F.R.C.S., Director General Army Medical Department, 1858-1860, who had taken an active and important part in the recognition of the Army Medical Department after the Crimean War. The Prize is awarded annually for professional work of outstanding merit to promote the study and the improvement of Military Medicine, Military Surgery, Military Hygiene or Pathology and is open to all regular medical officers of the R.A.M.C.

John Cadman Watts was the author of Surgeon at War, London, 1955 - a work which based on his awards, he was well able to write. Being awarded the M.C. for his wartime work as a Surgeon at Rannville in June 1944 and for his service with the 6th Airborne Division at Hamminkeln in March 1945. He was awarded the O.B.E. for his work in running the British Military Hospital in Dhekelia, Cyprus, during the time of the ‘EOKA’ troubles - treating 38 casualties over a four month period, none of whom died. With copied research.

O.B.E. London Gazette 14 April 1959 (Cyprus). Recommendation states: ‘During the past four months Lt. Col. J. C. Watts has not only built up the Surgical Division of this new hospital but has been required to carry the full surgical load on his own shoulders. This has meant that he has, literally, never been off duty. He has been on constant call and, on several occasions, grossly overworked - a situation which he has always accepted with the utmost cheerfulness. ....’

M.C. London Gazette 24 January 1946 (W.W.II). Recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Major Watts landed by glider at Hamminkeln on 24 Mar 45. Immediately after landing they were sniped at close quarters but Major Watts succeeded in unloading the jeep which he used to collect casualties from the neighbouring gliders and in spite of sustained and accurate machine gun fire he succeeded in dressing and evacuating all casualties over the next two hours.

At Ranville on 21st June 1944 the MDS was heavily shelled and many casualties were caused, some casualties requiring immediate surgical interference. Major Watts continued to operate till all the cases were finished. During this period the building sustained 15 direct hits and the operating theatre was struck twice. By his coolness and skill on this occasion he was instrumental in saving many lives.

Throughout the whole campaign this officer has set a very high standard of coolness, courage and endurance in many cases under difficult and trying conditions’.