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The Airmen's Stories - P/O E J Watson

 

Edward James Watson, of Dundee, was born on 7th December 1915, the son of Edward Boag Watson (1877-1929) and Jane Watson (nee Calvert 1877-1923).

He was educated initially at St. Aloysius College in Glasgow before going on to Lawside Academy in Dundee.

Admitted to University College Dundee, Watson graduated BSsc with 1st Class Honours and was studying research chemistry when he joined the RAFVR about June 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

 

 

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 5 FTS Sealand, was commissioned and arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 6th July 1940.

After converting to Hurricanes he was posted to 605 Squadron at Drem on 3rd August.

On 15th September he damaged a Do17.

The next day over north Kent Watson was attacked by Major Molders of JG51 and his aircraft severely damaged. He made a forced-landing in Hurricane P2589 at Detling, wounded.

Watson was killed on 26th February 1942 as a Flight Lieutenant with 135 Squadron, operating with Hurricanes from Mingaladon, Burma. His Hurricane IIB BG876 failed to return from a convoy escort sortie.

He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Column 412 (below).

 

 

 

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