War Hero
Rushdenite Decorated and Promoted

Sergt. Fred M. Watts, of the Canadian Scottish, youngest son of Mrs. Watts, of 4 Alfred-street, Rushden, had the distinction of being three times promoted, and also awarded the Military Medal within the space of a month.

Rushden Soldier Honoured - Military Medal Awarded
Three Promotions in Rapid Succession

The many friends of Sergt. Fred M. Watts, of the Canadian Scottish, son of Mrs. Watts, of 4 Alfred-street, Rushden, will be pleased to hear that he has gained for himself a remarkably rapid succession of distinctions in a very short period.

Since last November he has been three times promoted in addition to having also been awarded the Military Medal. No details are yet to hand as to the events which led up to the Sergt. Gaining the latter coveted distinction, for as a matter of fact we are given to understand that Sergt. Watts had no knowledge that he had been recommended for the Mlitary Medal until he saw his name in the newspapers. Sergt. Watts had been in Canada ten years prior to the war, and then joined a Canadian contingent. He has been in France since last May, and fought in the recent big battles in which the Canadians so distinguished themselves.

He is a native of Rushden, aged 30, and prior to leaving his birthplace was a member of St. Peter’s choir.

News has just come to hand that he has now been promoted to a full lieutenancy on the field.

Three weeks ago the young officer spent ten days’ leave in Rushden with his mother.

Rushden Argus, 19^th October 1917

Military Medallist Promoted

The news has arrived that Sergt. F. M. Watts, Canadian Scottish, has been promoted to a Second-Lieutenancy. Three weeks ago he came home for ten days, which he spent with his mother, Mrs. Watts, of 4 Alfred-street, Rushden. Early this year he won the Military Medal for bravery on the battlefield.

Rushden Argus, 8^th March 1918

Rushden Military Medallist Severely Wounded

We are sorry to learn that Lieut. Watts, Military Medallist, of the Canadian Scottish, brother of Mrs. Clayton, of Alfred-street, Rushden, has been severely wounded. He writes that he was out in charge of a wiring party on Feb. 28^th, when the moon came out and disclosed them to the Germans. The men got back to their trenches safely, but the Lieutenant was hit while assuring himself the men were all in. We learn the gallant officer was severely wounded in the right side by a machine gun bullet. He was in Rushden on leave about six weeks ago. We hope he will make a good recovery.