Watson was born in Newdigate, Surrey in 1884, and died in Shermanbury, Sussex in 1952. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, Essex Regiment, on 12 October 1901. Militia officers were part time, and he volunteered for active service with the Imperial Yeomanry serving in South Africa during the Second Boer War, joining the 33rd Battalion as a lieutenant from 18 March 1902.[1] After his return to the United Kingdom, he transferred to the regular army where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 7th Queen's Own Hussars on 14 January 1903.[2] He later advanced to lieutenant colonel in this regiment, and was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
He married Olinda Emily (1885–1969), who survived him.
