“C” Company, 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment
Lance Corporal Charles John Watson | War Casualty Details 61733 | CWGC
Gravemarker for Charles John Watson at Bethune Town Cemetery
Birth Registered in October, November and December 1886
WATSON, Charles John Westhampnett 2b 362
Baptism details not found
1891 census
In 1891 Charles John,age 4, was living at Sea Road, Felpham, with his mother, Fanny, 28, a Widow, and his older sister Nora, 6, a scholar.
Fanny Wakeham had married John Charles Watson in 1883, he had died age 27, in 1887.
1901 census
By 1901 their address is given as 6, Sea Road, Felpham. Fanny, 38, is described a Lodging House Keeper, Charles,14, as a Gardener and Nora, 16, as a Dressmaker. Living with them are Fanny’s mother, Elizabeth, 76, a Boarder Annie S Barnard, 19, and Napoleon Barnard age 2 months.
1911 census
In 1911 the family is living at 3 Gordon Terrace, Felpham, Bognor. Fanny, 48 is a Lodging House Keeper, Charles John, 24, an Uphosterer, Nora Elizabeth, 26, a Dressmaker, George Owen Watson, 4, described as Grandson, and Elizabeth Wakeham, Mother, 86, Widow. George Owen was baptised on 20th February 1907 at St. Mary’s, father’s name not recorded
Service Record 1/2
He had evidently served in the military previously as his answer to question 11, “Have you ever served in the Royal Marines, the Militia…” was “Yes, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex, completed term of (illegible but possibly engagement)…”
Service Record 2/2
Died of wounds Pte. 2.3.16
Casualty form – Active Service
434 L/c Charles John Watson Enlisted 29.8.14 Three Years
Appointed Lance Corporal 29.10.15
Died of wounds
His Mother’s receipt of his Victory medal
Deceased Soldier’s Effects
272802 E/148310 (2nd entry)
Watson Charles John 7th Bn. R. Sussex Regt., (L/cpl) Pte. 434 2.3.16 In Action Hounslow 4/16 £1 1s 7d 19.5.16 Mo(ther) Sole Leg. Fanny
10.9.19 War Gratuity Mo(ther) Sole Leg. Fanny £6 10s. 0d
Graves Registration Report Form
Bethune Town Cemetery Pas de Calais France
7/R.Sussex 434 WATSON L/Cpl. C.G. 2-3-16 Cross erected
Plot 5 Row A Grave 57 (4th entry)
Imperial War Graves Commission
1062/1B G/434 LANCE CPL. C.J.WATSON ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT
2ND MARCH 1916
CROSS PLOT 5 ROW A GRAVE 57 HEADSTONE 1658 (8th entry)
Imperial War Graves Commission
Headstone Personal Inscriptions
1062/1B 1658
THY WILL BE DONE
(Mrs.F.Watson, 3, Gordon Terrace, Felpham, Bognor.) (penultimate entry)
Index to Bethune Town Cemetery France
WATSON, Lce. Cpl., Charles John, G/434. “C” Coy. 7th Bn. Royal Sussex Regt..
2nd March, 1916. Age 30. Son of Mrs. Fanny Watson, of 3, Gordon Terrace, Felpham, Bognor. V.A.57
(Entry no. 10, left hand column)
Bethune Town Cemetery
Royal British Legion
Every One Remembered – Soldier Profile Charles john Watson
