Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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16082   Private James Watson
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 12/12/2022
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 10th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 03/02/1891
Died: 23/06/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age: 26
Summary      
James Watson was the only son of Thomas and Mary Watson. He was born in Moneymore on 3rd February 1891. He was one of four children. The family lived in Larrycormick, Moneymore. They were a farming family, although his father became a railway labourer latterly. James Watson joined the 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and went to France in October 1915. Private James Watson was killed in action during the later stages of the Battle of Messines on Saturday 23rd June 1917. He was the only man in the 10th Battalion killed on this day.
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Cemetery Details
Cemetery: Messines Ridge British Cemetery
  Mesen, West-Vlaanderen, 2
Grave Ref: Grave 6-B-33
CWGC Casualty 482744
Summary      
Messines Ridge British Cemetery is located 9.5 Kms south of Ieper town centre on the Nieuwkerkestraat, a road leading from the Rijselseweg, N365, which connects Ieper to Wijtschate, Mesen and on to Armentieres. From Ieper town centre the Rijselsestraat runs from the market square, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and directly over the crossroads with the Ieper ring road. The road name then changes to the Rijselseweg. Nieuwkerkestraat is a right hand turning from the N365 in the town of Mesen. The cemetery lies 250 metres after this right hand turning, on the left hand side of the road.
portrait
Local Memorial Details

No Memorial Name Townland
1 Moneymore War Memorial Moneymore
2 Desertlyn Church Of Ireland Roll Of Honour WWI Moneymore
Local Institute / Local Book Details

No Name Page
1 Cookstown War Dead Book WW1 209
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Watson family Lists James as age 10, living with the family at house 13 in Larrycormack, Moneymore, Londonderry
2 1911 Census lists Watson family Lists James as age 20, living with the family at house 13 in Larrycormack, Moneymore, Londonderry
3 BillionGraves.com Photo of Private James Watson's grave
4 National Archives UK Medal card can be purchased here
5 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Private James Watson's grave can be purchased here
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023