Watson, Norman Campion (1894 - 1917)

Second Lieutenant, 6th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Arras Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

The younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Oakfield, University Avenue, Glasgow, Norman C. Watson was only twenty-three years of age when he fell in action in one of the many fierce engagements which ebbed and flowed for days round Cavalry Farm. Norrie, as he was generally called, was a diligent student at School, and took a foremost place in all its athletic activities. His high spirits and generous nature made him a great favourite with his comrades.

After leaving School he was an outstanding figure in the F.P. Rugby section. He was ever an eager, untiring worker in the pack, and there was no danger of bad feeling coming into a game in which Norrie Watson was engaged. He received his business training
in the Allan Line office, but five years ago he accepted an appointment on the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Winnipeg.

When war began he was one of the first to volunteer for service overseas, but an injury to his knee prevented him from coming over with the first detachment. With his regiment, the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada, he saw much hard fighting for about a year around Ypres, but passed unscathed through it all. His friend and old schoolfellow, Lieut. Charles A. Hepburn, R.F.A., was sent with his battery to support this section of the Canadian line, and he and Norrie had many pleasant hours together during the
winter of 1915-16. Lieut. Hepburn writes-"He was always so bright, so optimistic, and so full of life that he dispelled gloom in everyone he met. The other members of his company loved him and never wearied reciting incidents of his self-sacrifice and devotion to duty. All this is just what we expected of Norrie, for in the old days he always played up and played the game."

At the beginning of 1917 he was given a commission in the 6th H.L.I., but was attached to the 12th H.L.I With them he came safely through the opening stages of the battle of Arras, and for his good work during those trying days he was recommended to the notice of his commanding officer.

On the 24th April, 1917, he fell while leading his men in an attack on Cavalry Farm. Second Lieutenant Watson has left behind a legacy of happy memories which his friends and old schoolfellows will ever cherish.