He was born in Moorfields, Bramley, Yorkshire, on the 27th October 1897. His father Joseph was a school master, (at the time teaching Languages and Science,) who was married to Mary Helen and they had 9 children. Victor was the second youngest boy out of the six boys.
He is one of four brothers who enlisted, and 3 including Victor Watmough were killed including John Cyril Watmough, and Edmund Watmough and his other brother Henry Francis Watmough also enlisted.
Before the family moved to the North East, John's father was getting actively involved in politics and became a political agent. By 1901 the family were residing at 43 Marine Approach, South Shields. Victor's youngest brother Cecil, was born in the North East about 1910.
His father had moved to London to become a 'Secretary to a Political Association' leaving his family who were residing by this time at 41 Meldon Terrace, Heaton.
Victor had attended Chillingham Road school before becoming a clerk.
He enlisted at Newcastle on the 30th August 1916 and stated his residence address at the time as 25 Ninth Avenue, Heaton. He was 5 feet 6 and a half inches tall.
His mother died on the 17th February 1919. The Father by this time was residing at 49 George Street. Shipley.
He was killed on the 22nd October 1917.
In his will of 1920, his younger brother Henry Francis Watmough who was administering the will, (including his mothers and another brother Edmund) had been left effects of £220 18s 11d. The will described his occupation as a Mercantile Clerk.
There was a problem about the issue of his medals and memorial scroll and plaque (Death Penny). Henry Francis Watmough had been appointed administrator by his mother and his 3 other brothers that had enlisted. The three brothers were killed, and normally the Father or 'next blood of kin' would receive these. However, John Watmough (the father) had denounced his right and title to these by an affidavit dated September, but not signed or witnessed till January 13th. This was after a letter dated 23rd July 1920 by Henry Francis Watmough to the officer in command. Infantry Records. The Royal Scots, Hamilton explaining that he holds letters of administration for the estate of Mrs Helen Mary (his mother who had died 17th February 1919). And for Victor and Edmund as well as John Cyril Watmough. And that as next of Kin he was entitled to the Medals and Memorial Scroll and plaque. The Infantry Office replied asking him via his solicitor to fill in army Form W5080 which detailed the requirements that were needed to accept the request.
Meanwhile, the Scroll had been received for Edmund, and another letter was duly sent re-confirming the original affidavit. The Medal Office then located at the War Office 27 Pilgrim Street, Ludgate Hill, E.C.4. replied stating that due to demand, the memorial plaque which were at that time being issued at a rate of 15.000 a week will be issued direct from the factory. They also apologised for the delay.
The items were eventually received about January 1923.
Victor Watmough is remembered at Heaton on H91.05, H91.41 and H91.44
