In September 2019, Dutchman Han Mass made contact with surviving members of Irish Guardsman Thomas Crowe Watson's family circle in Dunmurry, Co. Antrim.
Guardsman
2724057
Guardsman Thomas Crowe Watson (2724057) served in 3rd Battalion Irish Guards during the Second World War. He was the son of Thomas Watson and Mary Watson of Dunmurry, Co. Antrim. In civilian life, Thomas worked for John McCourt at Aughrim Quarries in Lisburn, Co. Antrim. He joined the Irish Guards in 1943.
Guardsman Watson died on 17th September 1944 aged 21 years old during 3rd Battalion’s push on to Valkenswaard, Netherlands as part of Operation MARKET GARDEN.
Guardsman Thomas C. Watson, Irish Guards, son of Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Watson, Lagmore, Dunmurry, has been killed in action in north west Europe. Aged 21, he joined the regiment a year ago. Previously he was employed by John McCourt, Aughrim Quarries, Lisburn. His brother, Robert Watson, who has five years’ service with the Royal Marines, is home on leave pending discharge. He was at the sinking of the Bismarck, fought in Norway and Crete, and was on the Belfast-built Penelope when she was torpedoed. He was later wounded on the Anzio beachhead and his right hand had to be amputated.
His grave is in Section II, Row B, Grave 14 of Valkenswaard War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. His headstone bears the inscription:
Jesus keep me near the cross, near they precious bleeding side.
In September 2019, Dutchman Han Maas attempted to get in touch with surviving members of Crowe’s family. He had looked after the grave since 2018 and wanted them to know it was in safe hands.
We can live the life we do now with the help of the soldiers. They helped us then and we may not forget them. They deserve attention and a well kept grave. We visit the grave several times during the year and especially on May 4 and the week of 17 September – the day Valkenswaard was liberated in 1944.
Shortly after this appeal, WartimeNI made contact with surviving members of the Watson family in Dunmurry, Co. Antrim. We put Han in touch with the family much to the delight of all involved. On 17th September 2024, the 80th anniversary of the beginning of Operation MARKET GARDEN, Bill Watson and his wife Angela met with Han Maas. They visited Thomas’ grave, paid their respects, and took part in local commemorations in Valkenswaard and Arnhem.
