Trooper Herbert Percy WATSON (1891-1915).

Serial # 7/288; Trooper - Canterbury Mounted Rifles; Main Body; New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF).

Born: 28 July 1891 at Wai-iti, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand.

Son of William W. & Eliza Watson of Wai-iti, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand.

Prior to war service Herbert Watson was a farmer, for F.A. Bickley, at Uruwhenua, Takaka, Tasman District, South Island, New Zealand.

Herbert Watson enlisted for war service on 15 August 1914 at Nelson, South Island, New Zealand.

At enlistment Herbert Watson was 23 years of age.

At enlistment Herbert Watson was posted as Trooper, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Trooper Watson trained at either Trentham Military Training Camp, Wellington, or Featherston Military Training Camp, Wairarapa - both in the North Island, New Zealand.

Trooper Herbert Watson embarked with the Main Body NZEF - on 18 October 1914 - aboard either HMNZT "Tahiti" or "Athenic" - from Port of Wellington, North Island, New Zealand.

Trooper Watson arrived in Egypt on 4 December 1914.

Trooper Watson was posted to Walker's Ridge, Dardanelles (Gallipoli).

On 27 July 1915 Trooper Watson was admitted sick to hospital.

On 9 August 1915 Trooper Herbert P. Watson died of disease (dysentary).

At his death Trooper Watson was 24 years of age.

Trooper Herbert P. Watson is buried at Gibraltor (North Front) Cemetery, Gibraltor (Ref: C.3064).

Trooper Herbert P. Watson is also remembered in his hometown - on the Takaka DistrictWar Memorial (1914-1918) - at Takaka, Tasman District, South Island, New Zealand.

For Trooper Herbert P. Watson's full military profile, and access to his personal military file, refer to New Zealand Online Cenotaph : www.aucklandmuseum.com

 

 

 

 

Jenifer Everett