Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Mau Mau operations M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Major W. S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps (R.A.C.), a District Military Intelligence Officer who was decorated for his leadership in successful operations undertaken in the Thomsons Falls and South Nyeri Reserve Districts in 1955: as a consequence over 100 terrorists were killed, 39 wounded and 24 captured

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire M.B.E. (Military Division), Member’s type 2 breast badge; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Major W. S. Watson, R.A.C.), minor official correction to rank; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Major W. S. Watson. M.B.E., R.A.C.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Lt. W. S. Watson, R.A.C.) mounted loose style as worn, very fine and better (7) £1800-2200

M.B.E. London Gazette 27 January 1956:

‘In recognition of distinguished services in Kenya during the period 21 April to 20 October 1955.’

The original 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.’

William Stanley Watson was attached to the ‘Pool of Military Intelligence Officers’ at Nyeri in East Africa at the time of the above related deeds, his services encompassing the period September 1953 to September 1955.