Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles Richard Watchorn a journeyman tailor, born 1873 in Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire and his wife Alice Watchorn (nee Andrews, married on the 22nd May 1893 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire), born 1871 in Cambridge. William Arthur was born in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in Melton Mowbray and was baptised on the 18th August 1895 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray his siblings were, Charles Henry, born 1895 and baptised on the 8th August 1895 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Beatrice Alice, born 1896 and baptised on the 6th December in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Leonard George, born 1898 and baptise on the 11th December 1898 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray and twins Terezina May, and Albert Edward, born 1900 and baptised on the 4th November 1900 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 24, King Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 William was employed as a painter and paperhanger and was residing in the family home at King Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his siblings Charles, a grocer’s shop assistant, Beatrice, a factory machinist, Leonard, a schoolboy, Terezina, a schoolgirl, Albert, a schoolboy, Nellie Victoria, a schoolgirl, born 1902 and baptised on the 18th May 1902 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Maud Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born 1903 and baptised on the 23rd August 1903 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Doris Isabel, born 1906 and baptised on the 16th September 1906 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray and Reginald Richard, born 1908, the latter four siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray.
William attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement (For the Duration of the War) on the 9th November 1915 in Leicester. He gave his home address as 41, King Street, Melton Mowbray, his age as 20 years and 132 days and his trade or calling as painter. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father Charles Richard Watchorn of 41 King Street, Melton Mowbray as his next of kin. He gave his religion as Church of England. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 4¾ inches in height, weighed 133 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 33 and 35½ inches. His physical development was described as good. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 10/22862 on the 9/11/15. Posted to the 10th (2nd Reserve) Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 10/11/15. Posted to Rugeley Camp on the 27/11/15. Posted to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 14/5/16. Embarked from Devonport to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the 14/5/16. Disembarked in Basrah on the 13/6/16. Admitted to hospital in Amara on the 7/8/16. Transferred to the Convalescent Depot on the 18/9/16. Joined the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, in the field on the 10/10/16. Wounded in action, in the field on the 23/2/17. Admitted to the 20th British Field Ambulance, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right shoulder (severe) on the 23/2/17. Discharged to the Convalescent Depot, Amara on the 5/3/17. Rejoined the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, in the field on the 14/4/17. Wounded in action, in the field on the 22/4/17. Admitted to the 7th British Field Ambulance, suffering from a gunshot wound to the groin (severe), in the field on the 23/4/17. Admitted to the 23rd British Stationary Hospital, Baghdad, dangerously wounded on the 27/4/17. Died in the 23rd British Stationary Hospital, Baghdad on the 11/6/17. William was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The following information was provided by Williams mother A. Watchorn on the 26th August 1919, and was witnessed and signed by J. E. Wakerley, J.P., County of Leicester, Melton Mowbray on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, Charles Richard Watchorn of 41, King Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Mother of soldier, Alice Watchorn of 41, King Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Full blood brothers of soldier, Charles Henry Watchorn, age 25 Soldier. Leonard George Watchorn, age 20, Soldier. Albert Edward Watchorn, age 18. Reggie Richard Watchorn, age 10. Oliver Robert Watchorn, age 7. Full blood sisters of soldier, Beatrice Alice Watchorn, age 22. Terezina May Watchorn, age 18. Nellie Victoria Watchorn, age 17. Doris Isabel Watchorn, age 13. Maud Elizabeth Watchorn, age 16. William’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 22 Apr-17 - At midnight orders received as follows:- 28th Brigade less 53rd SIKHS (who were with 21st Brigade and rejoined 28th Brigade later) and 56th RIFLES (still at station and rejoined 28th Brigade later) will move forward to left bank of DUJAIL CANAL starting at 4.00am. Position reached about 5.30am. Here the Brigade halted until 7.45am when pursuit of enemy was taken up, they having evacuated their position entirely. 28th Brigade passed through 19th and 21st Brigade’s in artillery formation. The Battalion leading with right flank on TIGRIS. 56th RIFLES on left with left flank on railway. The above supported by 51st and 53rd SIKHS respectively. Battalion formation “B”, “A” and “D” Companies in front from left to right in 2 lines of platoons at 50 paces interval and 150 paces distance. “C” Company in 2 lines of platoons 300 paces distant from rear of leading Companies. Strong patrols pushed well forward from “B” and “D” Companies. Turks were shelling column but all shells dropping well in rear. Patrols from “B” and “D” Companies came under enemy rifle fire about 12.00 noon at point where Police Post in square 6.E (TC.97). Patrols push on followed by “B”, “A” and “D” Companies in extended order, “C” Company and Battalion Headquarters at wall by Police Post at 12.45pm. At 1.15pm “B” Company report. “Enemy in position about 1200 yards to my front and under fire from about 400 rifles and some machine guns.” “D” Company report. “Enemy’s position appears to be high ridge about 1800 yards from here.” “D” Company then about 800 yards in advance of Police Post. “B” Company report at 2.00pm. “Cannot push on until troops on my left (56th RIFLES) are level with me Turks ½ left are enfilading.” 28th Brigade Headquarters arrive at WALL and orders received to remain in present position awaiting orders. At 3.20pm orders for assault of enemy position received:- At 4.20pm 2nd LEICESTERSHIRES supported by 51st SIKHS will assault and capture enemy position. The assault will be preceded by a bombardment of 20 minutes. 56th RIFLES will not advance nearer to enemy line than 500 yards till assault takes place when they will press forward and capture the line opposite to them under a Howitzer bombardment. MACHINE GUN COMPANY will co-operate from WALL. Orders served to Companies “B”, “A” and “D” to advance under bombardment and be at assaulting distance at 4.20pm, “C” Company to be in reserve on right. Artillery from left bank TIGRIS co-operated with our supporting artillery. By 4.30pm position entirely captured some 200 yards north west of point 216 (TC.97). Battalion Headquarters at point 216. Over 300 prisoners captured by Battalion, including several officers, also 2 Machine Guns. Message received from “A” Company about 5.00pm that 5 guns including two 5.9 captured. Shortly after message received from “B” Company, 3 guns captured. Enemy massed for counter attack 2000 Turks in front of “B” Company who are holding captured guns with 40 men. 1500 Turks attacking “A” Company’s front. Brigade asked urgently to send up reinforcements, but only ½ Battalion 53rd SIKHS sent. Brigade again asked to send up reinforcements to save guns being lost. After very long interval 28th and 92nd PUNJABIS sent up, but too late. Masses of Turks counter attacked and it was impossible to hold guns with small force. At 7.00pm “A” Company report. “Strongly counter attacked by 1500 Turks had to vacate guns and stores am digging in.” Captured position consolidated. Line taken up as follows, from TIGRIS – 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT (“C”, “A”, “D”, “B” with machine gun section), 51st SIKHS, 53rd SIKHS, 28th PUNJABIS, 92nd PUNJABIS (with left on railway). Enemy position strewn with Turkish dead. Artillery from left bank had done particularly heavy damage. Besides prisoners and machine guns captured, huge numbers of rifles and quantities of ammunition were taken. Quiet night. Enemy after retaking guns in full flight. Our casualties, officers killed 2nd Lt E. L. HALL M.C., 2nd Lt G. S. HEBDEN. Officers wounded, Capt P. H. CREAGH D.S.O. (did not quit), 2nd Lt J. R. WARREN, 2nd Lt H. J. GRANT-ANDERSON, 2nd Lt H. W. G. WESTLAKE M.C. and Lt U. H. E. SOWTER who afterwards died of wounds, other ranks 18 killed, 101 wounded. Day warm. A great day in the annals of the Battalion.
On Friday March 16th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – WOUNDED IN MESOPOTAMIA.- News was received yesterday, at Melton, from the Record Office, Lichfield, by his wife, that Private W. A. Watchorn, of the Leicester’s, has been removed to the 31st British General Hospital at Sheik-Sadd, suffering from slight wounds. Private Watchorn has been in Mesopotamia since last June.
On Friday May 4th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – LOCAL SOLDIER’S WOUNDED.- Mr and Mrs Watchorn of 41, King Street, Melton Mowbray, have again received news from the War Office that their son Pte. W. A. Watchorn, of the Leicestershire Regt., is dangerously ill at 23rd Stationary Hospital, Baghdad, suffering from wounds received in action. Pte. Watchorn was shot through the shoulder in February and admitted to hospital, and in his last letter home he said that his wound was getting on very nicely and that he wanted to get out again as he wished to get back to the boys. He has now been wounded a second time within three months. Pte. Watchorn will be 22 in June.
On Friday June 1st 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” From Saturday’s list:- WOUNDED. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Watchorn. 22862 W. A. (Melton Mowbray).
On Friday June 29th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED. Mr and Mrs C. R. Watchorn received an official notification last Saturday morning of the death of their son, Pte. William Arthur Watchorn, of the Leicester’s, in hospital at Baghdad. It stated that he died in hospital at the Persian Gulf from wounds received in action, and a circular from Lord Derby was enclosed expressing sympathy on behalf of the King and Queen. This was followed by a letter from the matron of the hospital, who wrote: “23rd British Stationary Hospital, Baghdad, 29th April 1917. Dear Mr and Mrs Watchorn, Your son, Pte. Watchorn was sent down to us a few days ago. He is very severely wounded in his thigh and buttock, and is very ill. The surgeon and sisters are doing everything that can possibly be done for him, and I think your son has all he needs, as far as we can give it. I hope next week you will have better news. Yours very truly, T. A. Humfrey, matron.” On May 2nd Mr Watchorn had received an official intimation that his son was in hospital at Baghdad suffering from wounds received in action on Sunday, April 22nd. Deceased would have been 22 years of age had he lived until today. He was employed at Holwell Works when he enlisted in November 1915, and the previous January had met with a serious accident which had incapacitated him for six months. He landed at the Persian Gulf in June 1916, and was twice in hospital for sickness shortly after his arrival there, and was also wounded last February. Deceased was a member of the Melton Mowbray Swimming Club Committee, and was an expert swimmer, having won nine prizes at the local sports.
On Friday July 13th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” – During the past week the following local casualties have been officially reported:- Monday’s list included:- DIED OF WOUNDS. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Watchorn, 22862 W. (Melton Mowbray).
On Friday June 7th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – WATCHORN. – In ever loving memory of my dear boy, Pte. W. A. Watchorn, who died of wounds at Baghdad, Mesopotamia, June 11th, 1917.
Under the shade of the dear old flag.
Out in a strange lone land.
Lies one of the best and bravest.
Slain by the enemy’s hand.
Its sweet to think we’ll meet again.
When all our partings o’er.
That my dear boy I loved so well.
Has only gone before.
From his Fiancée May.
On Friday June 14th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. - WATCHORN. – In ever loving memory of my dear son, Pte. W. A. Watchorn, who died of wounds in Baghdad, Mesopotamia, June 11th, 1917, aged 22 years.
Oh William dear, oh art thou dead.
My own brave British boy?
Oh hast thy heaven-borne spirit fled.
To everlasting joy?
My boy, my boy, oh art thou dead.
Are all my prayers in vain?
Wil’t thou not look at me once more.
Nor smile on us again?
May the winds of heaven blow gently.
O’er that sweet and sacred spot.
Though sleeping in a far-off grave.
Dearest one, you are not forgot.
From his loving Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.