James Russell Watson - 341884
- Sean Maas-Stevens
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 6
James Russell Watson was born in Brigden, Ontario on 26 March 1895. By the age of 21, his father had passed away, and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Watson. Leaving his work as a Bank Clerk, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 26 May 1916 in Saint Catharine’s, Ontario. His service began as a Gunner with the 71st Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery.
Promoted to the rank of Bombardier on 4 July 1916, he would later achieve the rank of Acting Sergeant before departing for England in 1917. Upon arrival in Shornecliffe, UK, he was reduced in rank back to Gunner with the 8th Reserve Battalion. On 27 May 1917, Gunner Watson was posted to the 119th Battalion. In October of that year, he was appointed Acting Lance Corporal. This was unfortunately short-lived, as he was posted to the Canadian Reserve Artillery and reduced in rank to Gunner once again.
On 7 November 1917, he was deployed to France to the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column. On 19 December 1917, Gunner Watson was admitted to the field hospital, and diagnosed with PUO or “Pyrexia of Unknown Origin,” (Ref C) a medical term for Trench Fever. Trench Fever was a disease transmitted by the all-too-common lice which resulted in headaches, backaches, dizziness, and pain and stiffness in the legs. These would have been greatly detrimental to a soldier serving in the trenches.
On 26 May 1918, Gunner Watson was awarded a good conduct badge for two years of good service. Returning to Canada in March of 1919, Gunner James Russell Watson was discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force due to demobilization, with his proposed residence after discharge listed as Brigden, where his mother was still living.
James Russell Watson passed away on 29 Oct 1945 and is buried in Bear Creek Cemetery in Brigden, Ontario.
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