GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 967
The Second World War ‘Burma Operations’ M.C. group of six awarded to Major J. B. Watson, Royal Norfolk Regiment, late Indian Army
MILITARYCROSS,
G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR;DEFENCE ANDWARMEDALS, with incorrect M. I.D. oak leaf, these unnamed; GENERAL SERVICE 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Capt. J. B. Watson, M.C., R. Norfolk.); together with an additional WARMEDAL 1939-45 with M.I.D. oak leaf some with contact marks, very fine and better (7) £2500-3000
M.C. London Gazette 5 October 1944. ‘Lieutenant (temporary Captain) (acting Major) (EC 3599), 13th Frontier Force Rifles, Indian Army’
The citation, derived from a lengthy recommendation, given in the framed paper extract (below) reads, ‘In the attack on Thawai, Ukhrul Road, on June 8th, 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.’
M.I.D. London Gazette 5 April 1945.
James Brian Watson was born on 8 April 1920. At the time of the war he lived at 123 Bridge Road, East Molesey. After one years service in the ranks, he was given an emergency commission in the Indian Army on 15 November 1941. Serving with the 13th Frontier Force Rifles, he was promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant in August 1942. Served as Acting Captain, May-August 1942 and Temporary Captain, August 1942-June 1944. Promoted War Substantive Captain in June 1944, he served as Acting Major, March-June 1944 and Temporary Major, June 1944-May 1947. Awarded the M.C. for his bravery and skill in the attack on Thawai, on the Ukhrul Road, Burma, on 8 June 1944. Watson was appointed a Captain in the Royal Norfolk Regiment in July 1947 and was Temporary Major, October 1949-October 1952. Placed on the Reserve of Officers in January 1953. Rejoining, he was appointed Captain in January 1955 and Temporary Major in October the same year. Specially employed on 4 March 1955. Watson attained the rank of Major on 3 December 1957 and retired from the 1st Battalion East Anglian Regiment on 22 February 1959.
With Royal Mint case of issue for M.C.; card forwarding box; M.I.D. Certificate; framed photograph of the officer in uniform; a later portrait photograph of the officer in uniform; 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 newspaper cutting, titled, ‘Molesey Major in Grim Fight. Four Jap attacks Repulsed. ....’ With some copied research, including recommendation which shows that he was originally put forward for the D.S.O.
www.dnw.co.uk
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