Oliver Cyril Spencer Watson
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Oliver Cyril Spencer Watson VC DSO (7 September 1876–28 March 1918) was an English soldier in the First World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Watson was commissioned into the Green Howards from Sandhurst in 1897. He served in the Tirah Expedition 1897-8 and the China Expedition 1900. He was promoted Lieutenant in 1898 and retired in 1904. In 1909 he re-enlisted and was commissioned into the 1st County of London Yeomanry. He was promoted Lieutenant in 1911, Captain in 1913, Major in 1915, and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1918.
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[edit] Details
He was 41 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the 5th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (now part of The Rifles) during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 March 1918 at Rossignol Wood, north of Hebuterne, France, a counter-attack had been made against the enemy position which at first achieved its object, but as they were holding out in two improvised strong-points, Lieutenant Colonel Watson saw that immediate action was necessary and he led his remaining small reserve to the attack, organising bombing parties and leading attacks under intense fire. Outnumbered, he finally ordered his men to retire, remaining himself in a communication trench to cover the retirement. The assault he led was at a critical moment and without doubt saved the line, but he was killed covering the withdrawal.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum (Richmond, Yorkshire, England).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
