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John Watson (VC)

John Watson
General Sir J. Watson V.C., K.C.B..JPG
Born (1829-09-06)6 September 1829
Chigwell, Essex
Died 23 January 1919(1919-01-23) (aged 89)
Finchampstead, Berkshire
Buried at St James Churchyard, Finchampstead
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch
Years of service 1848–?
Rank General
Commands held 4th Sikh Irregular Cavalry
Battles/wars
Awards

General Sir John Watson VC GCB (6 September 1829 – 23 January 1919) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. An officer serving with the Bengal Army, Watson received his Victoria Cross for actions at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. He later rose to the rank of general in the British Indian Army.

Watson was born on 6 September 1829 in Chigwell, Essex. His father was William George Watson. In 1848, at the age of 19, Watson traveled to London seeking to join the army of the British East India Company. Joining the Bengal Army as an officer was initially he was sent to Madras. This offered little prospect of action, however. and Watson sought transfer to Bombay.

His first combat action came in December 1848 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War when Watson took part in the Siege of Multan, while serving with the 1st Bombay European Fusiliers. Shortly afterwards he took part in the Battle of Gujrat.


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