Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant J. H. Watson, Royal Field Artillery, who served with the 14th Battery during the Boer War, and was present at the saving of the guns at Colenso, 15 December 1899

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Ladysmith (14260 Dvr. J. H. Watson, 14th. Bty., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (14260 Sjt. J. H. Watson. R.A.) light edge bruising and contact marks, good very fine (3) £240-£280

Henry Watson was born in Norwich in 1878 and attested for the Royal Artillery on 26 February 1896, having previously served in the Norfolk Artillery Militia. Posted to 14th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, he served in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 27 September 1900. He was present during the action at Colenso on 15 December 1899, on which occasion 14th and 66th Batteries were galloped too close to the Boers and in advance of the infantry by Colonel Long, the ‘damned gunner’ that Buller subsequently blamed for his defeat. In the face of withering fire from the Boers across the river, officers and men fought their guns to the last, numerous acts of gallantry being enacted until most had been killed or wounded - and their seven guns stood abandoned on the veldt. Buller asked for volunteers to save the guns and in the ensuing acts of heroism, six Victoria Crosses were won, including that by Lieutenant the Hon. F. H. S. Roberts, the son of Field-Marshal the Lord Roberts of Kandahar. The 14th Battery itself suffered seven other ranks killed, one officer and 13 other ranks wounded, and 27 other ranks taken prisoner. A small number of gunners and drivers were left isolated in a small donga, and it is possible that Watson was one of this number.

Watson subsequently served in India from 5 April 1910 to 16 October 1918, where he was promoted Corporal on 25 July 1909, and Sergeant on 26 April 1915. Posted to ‘D’ Force on 8 October 1918, he served during the Great War in Mesopotamia from 24 October 1918. He was finally discharged on 15 March 1920, after 24 years and 19 days’ service.

Sold with copied service papers, medal roll extracts, and other research.