Harry Crawford Watson

Born in 1864, of a famous Barnard Castle family, he joined the 2nd Durham Rifle Volunteers as a Lieutenant in 1883. He served with this Volunteer unit and its successor the 6th Battalion DLI until 1921, rising to the rank of Colonel.

In April 1915, he commanded 6 DLI at the 2nd Battle of Ypres, before being invalided home. He then commanded 3/6 DLI and other units for the remainder of the Great War, before finally retiring in 1921.

Harry Watson was awarded both the Volunteer Decoration and the Territorial Decoration - one of only 93 officers to receive both. He died in 1934, aged 70.

His son, William Innes Watson, commanded the 6th Battalion DLI during the Second World War. His medals are also on display in the Medal Room.