Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Joseph Watson was born in Ferryhill November 27th 1895, one of the 7 surviving children, (2 deceased) of parents William Watson born 1861 and his wife Sarah (possibly Collishaw) born 1860, natives of Bishop Auckland, who were married there in 1886. At the age of 14 Joseph was working as a coal miner-driver, his brothers were putters and his father a coal hewer at the colliery, the family in 1911 was living at 21 Prospect Terrace, Windlestone, Ferryhill.
Joseph Watson enlisted in 1914 and would initially have joined one of the northern army regiments but later he was transferred due to an excess of reservists to the “Anson” Battalion of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve serving as Able Seaman KP/876. The Royal Navy Division left Avonmouth February 1915 putting in at Valletta, Malta, leaving the next day and dropped anchor at Mudros Bay March 11th engaging the Turks in various encounters until April 24th when they set sail for Gallipoli. Landings were made at Helles, Kum Kale and Gaba Tepe but due to a navigational error this actually occurred at Anzac Cove. It was during the fighting the following month that Able Seaman KP/876 Joseph Watson was killed May 7th 1915. His family, now living at 52, Dale Street, Chilton Buildings, Ferryhill were informed and initially not given details of his burial. Joseph was eventually laid to rest at Lancashire Landings Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey, grave E 7. He was 20 years old and unmarried.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Joseph Watson is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12 and at Ferryhill Station F43.01
