Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma operations M.C. group of six awarded to Major J. B. Watson, Royal Norfolk Regiment, late Indian Army, who was originally recommended for a D.S.O. for his ‘dauntless bravery’ as a Company Commander in the 13th Frontier Force Rifles in June 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1944’, with its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Capt. J. B. Watson, M.C., R. Norfolk), very fine and better (6) £1600-1800

M.C. London Gazette 5 October 1944. The original recommendation - for a D.S.O. - states:

‘In the attack on Thawai, Ukhrul Road, on 8 June 1944, Major Watson was in command of the assaulting troops, consisting of his own company, and two platoons attached for mopping up and consolidation purposes. From preliminary reconnaissance, it was thought that the enemy consisted of about one platoon in a dug-in position, of which two bunkers had been pinpointed. In fact, the enemy was at least one company, probably two, with machine-guns and four-inch mortars, with a minimum of two platoons in well sited bunkers covering a much wider area than originally reported. With the support of heavy artillery and mortar fire, the first objective was captured against slight opposition, and three bunkers ahead of the objective were destroyed by Piat fire. Enemy grenade and mortar fire now became heavy and accurate. Several attempts to clear the forward slopes of the first objective were defeated by accurate automatic fire from concealed bunkers and also from the second objective, a village to the right.

Major Watson decided to launch his reserve platoon against the village, supported by his company mortars. This attack was at first successful, the village was set on fire, and an enemy machine-gun destroyed, but a heavy counter-attack forced the platoon back to its original position. Meanwhile, the company on the first objective had beaten off three determined counter-attacks, but the heavy and accurate mortar and machine-gun fire had caused some 40 casualties. No artillery or three-inch mortar support was possible owing to short range fighting in very thick jungle.

Two further platoons were sent up, but by the time they arrived it was clear that further advance was impossible in the face of very heavy grenade, mortar and machine-gun fire, and any attempt to consolidate the ground gained was being made impossible by further heavy counter-attacks, Major Watson was therefore ordered to clear his casualties and withdraw his company, which he carried out successfully under heavy enemy pressure. Throughout these two hours of very heavy fighting, against superior numbers, Major Watson handled his troops with great skill and determination, and himself displayed a dauntless bravery which inspired all ranks.’

James Brian Watson was born in April 1920 and was resident at East Molesey at the time of enlisting in 1940. Granted an emergency commission in the Indian Army in November 1941, he was posted to the 13th Frontier Force Rifles and was advanced to War Substantive Lieutenant in August 1942. By the time of his M.C.-winning exploits in Burma however, for which he was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 5 April 1945, refers), he was serving as a Temporary Major. Post-war, he was appointed a Captain in the Royal Norfolk Regiment in July 1947 and, having been placed on the Reserve of Officers in January 1953, rejoined in January 1955, and served as a Major in the East Anglian Regiment before taking his final retirement in February 1959.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s M.I.D. certificate; framed photographs in uniform (2), and three group photographs which include Watson, one with officers of the Indian Army, two with officers in the Malay Regiment; framed paper extract titled, ‘M.C. for Molesey Major. Bravery and Skill in Burma Fight. All Casualties Evacuated’, and an old newspaper cutting, titled, ‘Molesey Major in Grim Fight. Four Jap attacks Repulsed.’