Watt, Thomas

Thomas Watt was born in Aberdeen, Scotland to parents Gordon and Helen Watt on April 1, 1899. He immigrated to Canada with his parents and was raised in Lethbridge, Alberta with brothers Gordon, William, James and Alexander. As a teenager, he worked as a teamster. On September 1, 1915 Thomas Watt enlisted with the 39th Battery 10th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery CEF in Calgary, Alberta, just months after his 16th birthday. He had previously tried to enlist with the 20th Battery CFA out of Lethbridge, but had been refused because he did not meet the minimum age requirement. Like many young men at this time he lied about his age in order to join the war effort. His 18 year old brother Gordon Watt also signed up with the 39th Battery 10th Brigade. He arrived in England on March 13, 1916 and remained in England until embarking for France on July 13, 1916. Driver Watt remained at the front lines with the 39th Battery 10th Brigade for over two years and saw action at several key battles including the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele and Amiens. On August 29, 1918 Dvr Watt was killed in action near Etaples in France. He was laid to rest at Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery near Arras. Thomas Watt was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His mother, Helen, was presented with the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son