Watson, Robert “Bert”

Regimental Number: 231167
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 202nd Battalion; Canadian Field Artillery

Robert was born in Dundonald, Ireland on July 16, 1896. His parents immigrated to Canada with their family of nine in 1908. In March of 1916, Bert enlisted in the Canadian Army; his brother Finlay also served during World War I. Bert was awarded the Military Medal for saving a machine gun from burning. After the war he came to Grande Prairie and worked at the Beaverlodge Experimental Station. Robert filed on land at NE 32-73-12-W6 and NW 33-73-12-W6. He was Lake Saskatoon’s first village secretary.

In World II Robert was stationed at the Sergeant’s quarters and ordered supplies for the soldiers stationed there. After the war, he worked in the Land Office in Grande Prairie, then for the Government Appraisers for the Prairie Farm Assistance.

Robert died on November 30, 1974 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon cemetery.

Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 32; Pioneers of the Peace p. 119; Along the Wapiti p. 403, 411

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