Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. Watson, 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry, killed in action, Flanders, 22 May 1915

1914 Star (8132 Pte., 2/Durh. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (3-8132 Pte., Durh. L.I.) slight edge bruising, about very fine (3) £180-220

Joseph Watson was born in May 1885 in the Parish of St. Bede’s, Gateshead. Immediately prior to his enlistment he lived at 63 Claremont Street, Gateshead and was employed as a Labourer with the Armstrong Engineering Company, Newcastle. Having previously served in the 5th Volunteer Battalion Durham Light Infantry, he enlisted for regular service with the D.L.I. on 3 May 1905. On 5 August 1908 he joined the Special Reserve and re-engaged in June 1914. With the 2nd Battalion D.L.I. he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 26 October 1914. Private Watson was killed in action in Flanders on 22 May 1915. He was buried in the Strand Military Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium. With a quantity of copied service papers and other research.