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James Alfred Paul Watt (1879-)


Gateshead man served with 20th DLI


Alfred Watt was born in Gateshead in February 1879. He was living with his family in Gateshead when he enlisted on 23 February 1916. At that point he was single and worked as a bricklayer.

After attesting, he was not called up until 23 March of the next year, joining the 5th (Reserve) Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI).

Once he completed his training, Watt was transferred. First, he was posted to the 35th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples (France) in June 1917. From there, on 14 July, he was drafted to 2nd DLI.

Not long after this, on 15 September, he was posted to Headquarters 18th Brigade and stayed with them until posted to 20th DLI on 8 November 1918, when he joined the A Company of this battalion.

According to his military records, Arthur Watt was reported a few times during his service with 20th DLI. Just after arriving, on 15 November, he was confined to barracks (CB) for two days for going unshaved on a Commanding Officers’ Parade. Some few days later, he suffered an injury that was recorded as it follows:

“On the 18th November 1918 at about 1.15 pm I was standing by the pump situated in the yard of our Billet. No 201360 Pte Watt A was washing out his Mess Tin when the handle of the Pump struck him in the mouth causing an injury. G. Bullock, 92367, A Com., 20th D.L.I.”

In spite of this, he moved with the battalion from Belgium to Cologne, where this photograph of him was taken, until he was discharged to Class Z Reserve on 3 May 1919.

Written on the back of the card attached to this page is: “From Alf Watt to Mr & Mrs Barrass, taken in Cologne, Germany.”

Civil Parish: Gateshead

Birth date: 20-Feb-1879

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: 18 Third Street, Gateshead, County Durham (1891 census)
38 Newton Street, Gateshead (1901 census)
317-319 Brighton Road, Gateshead (1911 census, 1916)

Religion: Church of England

Employment: Bricklayer (1916)

Family: Father: James Watt
Mother: Mary Jane Watt
Siblings: Lillian M Watt, Mary Edith Watt, Cissie Winifred Watt

Military service:

Private
Regimental number: 201360
5th (Reserve) Battalion Durham Light Infantry
35th Infantry Base Depot
2nd DLI
Headquarters 18th Brigade
20th DLI
Class Z Reserve

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Male

Contributed by John Sheen | Durham at War Volunteer - Candela

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