Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Second Award Bar awarded to Major W. T. Watson, D.S.O., D.C.M., Australian Imperial Force, who served in both World Wars and Commanded the Papuan Infantry Battalion throughout the New Guinea Campaign in the Second World War; an International Rugby Union player, he played eight Test Matches for Australia, and captained the side three times

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse privately engraved ‘Lieut. W. T. Watson. D.C.M. 2nd F.A. Bde. A.I.F.’, in case of issue, good very fine £800-£1,200

D.S.O. London Gazette 7 January 1943:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South West Pacific.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘This officer was Commanding Officer, Papuan Infantry Battalion, New Guinea Force, before and subsequent to the enemy landing at Gona. During the series of actions between Maroubra Force and the enemy, Major Watson used his Battalion to maximum good effect to guide the 39 Battalion, and co-operated by providing flank protection. He saw the command of Maroubra Force change hands four times. At Oivi, on 26 July 1942, when Captain Templeton was killed, he assumed command and, had it not been for his example of sheer bravery and the character of his enforcing order, on this occasion, the entity of Maroubra Force would have suffered. When Lieutenant-Colonel Owen was killed, he again took charge until Major Cameron arrived. Since then he has been an inspiration, a sound adviser, and an active participant in fighting, together with the remnants of the Papuan Infantry Battalion. Too much stress cannot be placed on the value of this officer’s presence with Maroubra Force. His bravery is an epic.’

M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Faucoucourt on 27th August 1918 when he accompanied the attacking infantry as forward observation officer. The enemy offered strong resistance, frequently holding up the advance with machine-gun fire. In one case he worked his way forward several hundred yards in front of our outposts, directing the fire of three batteries which gave great assistance to the infantry by barraging machine-gun nests and strong posts. He showed fine courage and initiative throughout.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 8 March 1919, citation published 4 October 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry at Nauroy, near Bellicourt, on the night of 2nd/3rd October 1918. His battery was the centre of an enemy bombardment, which continued for over four hours. Though badly gassed himself, he tried to save the life of a wounded officer. He showed great energy and devotion to duty, and stayed with his battery until next day, when it was withdrawn from the line.’

D.C.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry ands devotion to duty. He displayed great gallantry and coolness in going to the assistance of wounded men, under heavy fire. He has set a splendid example throughout.’

William Thornton Watson was born in Nelson, New Zealand, to Australian parents on 10 November 1887, his father being Lieutenant Robert Watson, Nelson Rifle Volunteers. Moving to Sydney in 1911, he had a distinguished rugby union career, and played all three Test Matches as a prop forward for Australia on the 1913 tour to New Zealand.

Following the outbreak of the Great War Watson enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, and took part in the operations in 1914 to seize German wireless stations in German New Guinea. The following year he embarked for Gallipoli as a Gunner in the 1st Divisional Artillery, and proceeding to the Western Front was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in September 1917, he was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry as a Forward Observation Officer at Faucoucourt on 27 August 1917, and added a Second Award Bar for his gallantry during the heavy bombardment near Bellicourt on 2-3 October 1918.

Immediately following the cessation of hostilities, Watson captained the Australian Imperial Forces rugby XV in the various in the King’s Cup rugby matches against the other Allied Armies, before returning to Australia, where he captained Australia in a further three Test Matches in 1920. Emigrating to Papua New Guinea later that year, he was employed throughout the inter-War years in gold mining and cattle ranching. Following the outbreak of the Second World War he returned to Australia and served initially in the 2nd Australian Garrison Battalion, before being posted to command the Papuan Infantry Battalion, with the rank of Major, where he was able to put his experience of the locality, and his ability to speak the local New Guinea dialect, to good use. Following Japan’s invasion of New Guinea in July 1942, the Papuan Infantry Battalion were the first Australian Army unit to make contact with the Japanese, and for his bravery and leadership during the campaign Watson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Following the Second World War Watson served as Australia’s vice-consul in New York from 1945 to 1952. He died in Brooklyn, New York, on 9 September 1961.

Sold together with a number of original letters to the recipient; an elaborate bone paper-knife, crafted in Papua New Guinea; a photograph of the recipient being presented to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later H.M. King Edward VIII) and H.R.H. The Prince Albert (later H.M. King George VI) at Twickenham whilst captain of the Australian Imperial Forces XV; a copy of The toughest fighting in the World, by G. H. Johnston; and various newspaper cuttings and map.

For the medals awarded to the recipient’s father, see Lot 409.