memorial plaque
Report a Mistake- Object Number 19900296-001
- Event 1914-1919 First World War
- Affiliation --
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Artist / Maker / Manufacturer
Preston, Edward Carter
Royal Arsenal - Date Made 1918-1920
- Place of Use Continent - North America, Country - Canada
- Category Communication artifacts
- Sub-category Personal symbol
- Department Arms and Technology
- Museum CWM
- Earliest 1918/01/31
- Latest 1920/12/31
- Inscription (obverse/avers): HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR HARRY WATTS; E.C.P.; 2; (reverse/verso): W
- Materials Bronze
- Service Component Canadian Expeditionary Force
- Unit 60th Canadian Infantry Battalion
- Person / Institution Subject, Watts, Sergeant Harry
- Measurements Thickness 0.5 cm, Outside Diameter 12.0 cm
- Caption Medals Project- Watts, Harry
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Additional Information
Harry Watts was born in Buckingham, England, on 20 September 1888. It is unclear when he immigrated to Canada.
A labourer, Watts enlisted in the 37th Battalion in Toronto, Ontario, on 15 July 1915. After initial training in Canada, he and his unit left for England on SS Lapland on 27 November 1915. The battalion landed in Plymouth on 4 December 1915. Upon arrival in England, it provided reinforcements to Canadian units already in the field. Watts was transferred to the 12th Reserve Battalion before being posted to the 60th and then the 87th battalions.
On 4 April 1920, Watts died from chronic endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the chambers and valves of the heart) in St. Michael’s Hospital, in Toronto. His death was attributed to his war service.
Harry Watts is buried in St. John's Norway Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario.