James Watson (British Army officer)

Watson was commissioned into the 14th Regiment of Foot reaching the rank of major in 1802.^[1] He was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of his regiment in 1807 and served in India and Batavia, Dutch East Indies.^[1] During his time in the East Indies, he led the 14th Regiment of Foot in a punitive expedition against the Sultanate of Sambas in West Borneo.^[2]

In March 1835 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, India, and continued in that role until September; two years later he was promoted to lieutenant-general^[3] and made colonel of the 14th Regiment of Foot, a position he held until his death.^[1]

He was also an active member of the Army and Navy Club.^[4] He lived in Wendover in Buckinghamshire.^[5]

He died in 1862. He had married Sarah, with whom he had at least a son and a daughter.^[6]

Military offices
Preceded by Lord William Bentinck	Commander-in-Chief, India 1835	Succeeded by Sir Henry Fane
Preceded by Sir Frederick Ponsonby	Colonel of the 86th (Royal County Down) Regiment of Foot 1836–1837	Succeeded by Arthur Brooke