Soldier Record
Cecil Raymond Watson
Contributed by: Barry Yelland, on 2008-11-08
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | Cecil Raymond |
| Surname | Watson |
| Year of Birth | Unknown |
| Year of Death | Unknown |
| Regiment | Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry |
| Place of Wartime Residence | St Austell, Cornwall |
Cecil Raymond's Story
Cecil Raymond Watson, a Farm Labourer, Enlisted with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 9th October 1905 at St Austell, Cornwall and rose through the ranks to Company Sargeant Major. He was initially with the 2nd Battalion and later posted to the 1st Battalion. CSM Watson was the most highly decorated Non Commissioned Officer of The Great War.
Cecil was awarded the Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914 Star and Bar, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal with Oak Leaf. The Citation for his Military Cross reads, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his company officers became casualties he continued to lead his men and reorganised the company on reaching the final objective.†His MC was awarded for his actions at the battle of Polderheck Chateau on 6th November 1917. On this day the Battalion lost 11 officers and 123 men out of a fighting strength of 16 officers and 300 men!
CSM Watson survived the Great War.
No additional memories have been submitted