More about Alexander Watson

Alexander Watson, Royal Scots

SOLDIERS BODY PICKED UP AT SEA.

While the crew of a fishing boat were engaged in mackerel fishing about 1½ miles off Dunbar they discovered a man’s body floating in the sea.  On being brought ashore it was identified as that of Private Alexander Watson, of the 10th Royal Scots, who was drowned while bathing about a fortnight ago, when Lieutenant Macnicol, of the same regiment, lost his life in a gallant attempt at rescue.  Private Watson, who was 18 years of age, belonged to West Calder.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 16th August 1915

BATHING TRAGEDY AT DUNBAR.

WEST CALDER TREEITORIAL DROWNED.

A double bathing fatality, involving the loss of two soldiers—Lieut. Horatius Bonar Macnicol and Private Watson, both of the 10th Royal Scots—occurred on Friday night at Westbarn—west of Dunbar.  A detachment of soldiers had been bathing, and were coming ashore, when it was observed that Pte. Watson, who was some distance seaward, was in difficulties.  Lieut. Macnicol, who was also in the water, having had his attention called to Weston’s plight, swam to his aid, and proceeded to bring him ashore.  Meantime an alarm had been raised, and Corporal Rothwell of the Lothians and Border Horse, ran to the beach, more than a quarter of a mile distant, and divesting himself of some of his clothes, swam out to Lieut. Macnicol and Pte. Watson.  While Cpl. Rothwell was aiding Lieut. Macnicol to get Pte. Watson to the beach Watson was seized with cramp, and releasing hold of Lieut. Macnicol, clutched Cpl. Rothwell, dragging him under water.  With difficulty Cpl. Rothwell, freed himself, when Pte. Watson again caught hold of Lieut. Macnicol, and the two were drowned together.  Cpl. Rothwell was helped ashore, and after being attended to sufficiently recovered to be able to go back to the camp.

Lieut. Macnicol, body was recovered.  Pte. Watson was a member of G Company, West Calder, and resided in the Happy Land.  At the time of the accident, he was with his regiment on the East Coast.  Much sympathy is expressed for his mother, who is a widow.

The Midlothian Advertiser 6th August 1915

The officer who attempted to save Pte Watson, was 2nd Lieutenant Horatius Bonar Macnicol, 10th Battalion, Royal Scots, he is buried in Edinburgh (Grange) Cemetery, Plot D.67. He was the son of the Rev. Duncan Clark & Mrs Emily Florence Macnicol, 74 Grange Loan, Edinburgh.