Lieutenant Edwin R Watkins

Edwin Ralph Watkins, was born in the U.S.A., the son of Edwin Ralph and Jean Watkins and husband of Gertie Watkins, of Norwich He commissioned into The Royal Norfolk Regiment and then volunteered for the airborne forces.

Lieutenant Watkins undertook parachute training on course number 56 at RAF Ringway from 17 March to 1 April 1943. His course report stated ‘Admits nervousness but inspires his men and is liked by them.’ He was posted to to B Company the 6th (Royal Welch) Parachute Battalion.

He took part in the amphibious landings in Italy in September 1943, on board a mine layer, HMS Abdiel. Unfortunately, HMS Abdiel struck a mine in Taranto Harbour causing significant casualties and loss of life, including Lt Watkins.

Lt Watkins died at sea on 10 September 1943, aged 28.

His body was recovered and buried in a common grave at Taranto. He was later identified and re-interred in Bari British Military Cemetery on 10 October 1944.

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