Melville Hodson Watson

1912 - Born

1937 - Married Mary Hollings at Keighly, Yorkshire

West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

2nd Battalion

Service

The 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regimen, were sent to Palestine in 1938. In 1940 the Stationed in the Sudan, 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment were stationed in Sudan when the Italians entered the war in 1940. They joined the 5 Indian Divsion and saw heavy fighting in Abyssinia and Eritrea before serving in Egypt and Libya, with action in the Western Desert.

In 1943 the 2nd Battalion were sent to Burma and served with the 9th Indian Infantry Brigade.

In 1944 the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the West Yorkshire Regiment fought in the defence of Imphal. The 22nd June 1944 is recognised as ‘Imphal Day’. This is a day to remember as this was the first battle the Japanese lost. The Japanese were then on the retreat, back across Burma, towards Rangoon.

Following the capture of Maungdaw, the 2nd West Yorkshires were caught in the Japanese counter-offensive and completely surrounded at Sinzweya. They stood fast for 25 days, completely upsetting the Japanese plan.

During the advance South to Rangoon, Meville was killed in action.

Died

Age 34

15th May 1945

Killed in Action Burma

Loved Ones

Son of Mary Ann Watson, and stepson of Richard Noble.

Husband of Mary Watson, of Thwaites, Keighley, Yorkshire.

Memorial