Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Harold was born at Darlington in 1892 the son of Charles (died 1917) and Sarah Jane (nee Thompson). The couple had 4 children but 1 died.
Harold’s parents had a successful business at 52 Galgate Barnard Castle dealing in fish/game/fruit and vegetables supplies.
In the 1911 census Harold (sometimes incorrectly shown as Arnold) was living with his 83-year-old grandmother 102 Galgate Barnard Castle.
Prior to enlisting Harold had worked as a clerk at the Barnard Castle Gas Company. The company recorded the service that he had given them at their following A.G.M. in 1918
After being a member of the Durham Light Infantry service number 21/322 Harold was transferred to the K.O.Y.L.I. and was sent to France on 8 August 1917.
He was killed when a shell landed near him.The Teesdale Mercury 31/07/1918 reports:-
“On Saturday morning Mrs Watson, Galgate, received the sad news that her younger son, Sergeant Harold Watson, had been killed in action. The letter, which was written by Company-Sergt.-Major C. Foatherstone, on July 20th, 1918 said : " Sergt. Watson was killed in action on the morning of the 19th by a shell which fell near him. It may be some consolation to you to know that he felt no pain, as death was instantaneous. He was a good and brave soldier, and gave his life cheerfully in defence of home and all he held dear. His death is felt keenly by us as he was sustained high esteem by all the officers and men alike. He was buried to-day in a quiet little spot a few miles behind the lines." Sergt. Watson enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry in November, 1915, and eventually transferred to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry He went to France on the 8th of last August. “
Harold Watson is remembered in Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
