Alfred William WATSON

Regimental number3512
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressRedfern, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinBrother, W Watson, 35 Repos Street, Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date18 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 13 October 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 28 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Is recommended for gallant conduct while on patrol duty near BROODSEINDE on night 19th/20th October, 1917. Believing the enemy to have withdrawn his line somewhat, it became necessary to patrol right up to his posts to obtain contact. At this time No Man's Land was an almost impassable swamp which the enemy shelled heavily after his withdrawal. WATSON volunteered to make one of a patrol and pushed forward a distance of 800 yards to an enemy strong point. The patrol was under shell fire for most of the time and was continually harassed by machine gun fire. WATSON displayed wonderful coolness and initiative and his gallant conduct is strongly recommended.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918