Sergeant Thomas Watson

Sergeant Thomas Watson, son of Joseph W and Agnes Watson, of Blyth, Northumberland, served with 14 Platoon, B Coy of 1st (Airborne) Battalion, The Border Regiment. He took part in the glider insertion to the Battle of Arnhem during Op Market Garden.

He travelled to Arnhem on 17 September 1944, in Glider 161, piloted by Lt Colonel John Place and Lt Ralph Maltby (Intelligence Officer) 2nd Wing, Glider Pilot Regiment. Both the glider and tug aircraft suffered heavy fire from enemy anti-aircraft guns crossing the Dutch border. The intensity of this damage resulted in the death of Lt Ralph Maltby from a headwound whilst still airborne, despite Sgt Watson's attempts to help him.

In spite of further heavy fire as they neared the LZ, Lt Col Place safely landed the glider, with the only other injury being a wound to the knee of Private Hughes, a Bren Gunner of the Scout Section, sustained when a bullet that came through the glider floor.

Sgt Thomas Watson was killed on 21 September 1944 by mortar fragments, during a counter attack by remnants of B Coy against an enemy tank that had previously pinned them down.  Also injured in the back and legs during the same incident was Cpl Ian (Jock) Hunter, who had been leading 3 Section, 14 Platoon.

Sergeant Watson died aged 28 years old. He was originally given a field burial beside the road to the Driel Ferry at Oosterbeek, before being permanently interred at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.