Oliver Cyril Spencer Watson Article Index for
Oliver
Website Links For
Oliver
 

Information About

Oliver Cyril Spencer Watson





DETAILS


He was 41 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve of Officers, 1st County Of London Yeomanry , British Army , comd. 5th Bn., The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 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.


FURTHER INFORMATION


Served with The Green Howards in the Tirah Expedition 1897-8 and the China Expedition 1900.


THE MEDAL


His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum ''(Richmond, Yorkshire, England)''.


REFERENCES



SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS


This page has been from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.