The AIF Project

Ernest Alfred WATSON

Regimental number994
Place of birthRodney Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarmer
AddressNanneella, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, Joseph Watson, Nanneela, Victoria
Enlistment date20 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name21st Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/38/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 29 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During theattack on MONTEBREHAIN, east of PERONNE, on 5th October, 1918, this N.C.O. established a section post of riflemen. Seeing that the posts on his left were having trouble in consolidation, Lance Corporal WATSON went out under heavy machine gun fire and, having recovered a Lewis gun from a casualty, used it to great advantage on the enemy, thus giving the necessary covering fire, which enabled the posts on the left to consolidate on a general line. With his gun he effectively silenced three enemy machine guns which were causing us considerable casualties. He remained in his forward position with his section until the line in rear had been thoroughly consolidated, when he withdrew to his place in the new line. By the skilful handling of his gun Lance Corporal WATSON then succeeded in dispersing several parties of the enemy, and killed at least 18 of them. His timely action at a critical juncture was of great assistance to his Company.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 119
Date: 17 October 1919

Date of death10 April 1977
Place of burialPreston Cemetery

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