Photo: Geordie at War Project

William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

Andrew Watson was born at Gateshead on December 28th 1885 the son of Alexander (Sandy) and Sarah (nee Allen). He was baptised on January 20th 1886. His father is shown as a widower in 1891 census so it seems likely Sarah died (c) 1887. He was a painter by trade.

Andrew had at least 3 brothers, William, John and Alexander.

The 1901 census shows Andrew as staying with his relatives at 84 Somerset Street.

By 1911 Andrew was living at 30 Oakwellgate with his wife Mary Elizabeth (nee Jones) whom he married on Xmas Day 1905 at St Mary’s Church Gateshead. His young family were Alex, Mary Ann, Henry and Lilian. There was possibly another daughter, Sarah, born 1910.

He was working as a labourer plate layer with the railway company at that time.

Andrew enlisted at Newcastle on June 7th 1915. He was designated as a gunner.

He appears to have had several service numbers during his time with the army including as Gunner 1648 also whist serving as a Corporal numbers 3100 and 751563.

He was recorded as being 5’7” tall with good vision and good physical development so he was fit for service with the Territorial Force. He was a member of the Church of England. His character was also shown as being very good.

Andrew served with several units (service numbers 3100 and 10009) where he was promoted/reverted to substantive rank a number of times. He did serve as corporal April 27 1917 then again August 29th 1917.

He was at home from June 7th 1915 until he was shipped to France November 22nd 1915. He is in France again later arriving there on April 16th 1916.

On April 17th 1917 he was wounded receiving a gunshot wound to his right leg. On 19 April he was entrained at Camieres then onwards to Warlincourt for care at home.

Whilst stationed at Ripon he was admonished for overstaying his sick furlough from 25 August until 4.00pm 28 August - 3 days. He also forfeited 4 days' pay.

On September 13th 1918 he was finally discharged from service due to being physically unfit. He had served a total of 3 years 99 days. He was then issued a pension of 12/- per week commencing 14 September.

On September 17th 1918 he was issued with a Silver War badge no. B9374.

The Silver War Badge was issued in the U.K. to service personnel who had beem honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness during WW1.

Andrew died at home on Wednesday 25 February 1920 aged 34 years.

He was awarded:- 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Andrew Watson is not remembered on a local War Memorial.

The CWGC entry for Corporal Watson