11 Facts About Herbert Watts

Herbert Watts was educated at The King's School, Peterborough and at Tours, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant into a Militia unit, the Royal North Down Militia, in November 1877 Herbert Watts was promoted to lieutenant in August 1879.

Herbert Watts transferred as a second lieutenant to the 20th Regiment of Foot in April 1880.

Herbert Watts served with the regiment for 30 years, during which he was promoted to lieutenant on 1 July 1881, captain on 6 March 1889, and major on 20 March 1899.

Herbert Watts took part in operations in the Natal, including the battles of Vaal Krantz and the Tugela Heights and Pieter's Hill leading to the Relief of Ladysmith.

Herbert Watts was appointed second-in-command of his battalion on 7 March 1902, and after peace was declared the following month, left South Africa on board the SS Bavarian to arrive in the United Kingdom in June 1902.

Herbert Watts was promoted to substantive lieutenant colonel in February 1904 and commanded a battalion for the next four years, during which time he was promoted again, this time to brevet colonel, in July 1905, before going on half-pay in February 1908 after relinquishing command of the battalion.

Herbert Watts was promoted to substantive colonel that month, and, after coming off the half-pay list, finished his military career as the commander of No 9 District in Eastern Command, holding this post from May 1910 until he retired from the army in May 1914.

Herbert Watts remained with the brigade until the Battle of Loos in September 1915, when Major-General Thompson Capper, commanding the division, was killed in action and Herbert Watts, promoted to temporary major general, took over as general officer commanding of the 7th Division.

Herbert Watts was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in February 1915, as well as the French Legion of Honour in 1919.

Herbert Watts had never attended the Staff College, Camberley, spending his earlier career entirely on regimental service.

Herbert Watts unveiled the War Memorial at Mitcham in Surrey in 1920.