Watson Ramsey was born 20th February 1894 at 16 Laygate Terrace, South Shields, the son of Mark Watson and Elizabeth Milburn Ramsey. His father was a photographer's assistant, eventually becoming a photographer with the railway company.

In 1907 they moved to 23 Milton Street, Westoe, South Shields.

Watson attended Westoe Secondary School from the age on 13, in 1907, and left in 1909 to be a clerk/accountant.

Watson served in the war as a gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery, attached to the 53rd Heavy Artillery Group.

He is remembered at Harton on H104.03 as Watson Ramsay

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Gunner Ramsey