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Sapper David Watson

Sapper David Watson, born on 28 October 1986 and known to his friends as 'The Leg', deployed on Op HERRICK 11 as a Number 3 Operator in a Conventional Munitions Disposal Team as part of the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group within the UK Counter IED Task Force.

On Thursday 31 December 2009 Sapper Watson died of wounds sustained in an explosion caused by an Improvised Explosive Device in the vicinity of Patrol Base Blenheim in the Sangin region of Helmand Province.

Sapper David Watson's family made this statement:

"Dearly beloved Son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, David. He always managed to achieve above and beyond the goals that he set for himself often going that extra mile to achieve beyond the bounds of what was expected of him.

"He loved life itself and all of its challenges. David's dry sense of humour combined with his ability to articulate any situation into a moment of laughter were two of his many talents. He was loved by all.

"The Army was his career which he loved the most and his achievements whilst serving in the Army show his genuine commitment and determination to serve his country proud.

"Amongst his many accomplishments, David was awarded the fittest soldier upon completion of his basic training, moving on to do his Commando and Paratrooper training as well as becoming top recruit for P Company Infantry training.

"He lived his dream and did what a true soldier is ready to do for his country, a true hero.

"David was a proud and very much loved uncle of Michael. Michael would often ask to be lifted high in the sky, now he will be regularly reminded that David has joined the stars above, giving hope and inspiration to those that hear of his story.

"David was a very much respected friend to all that had the pleasure of meeting him and most of all a very much appreciated and inspirational member of his family. His life taken away from us and words left unspoken.
"You will be dearly missed in our hearts and thoughts, always loved and missed by all family."


Lieutenant Colonel David Southall MBE Royal Engineers, Commanding Officer 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) said:

"Sapper Dave 'The Leg' Watson was a remarkable soldier. Known and respected for his phenomenal fitness, this Commando, Parachute and Bomb Disposal trained Sapper was simply a cut above the rest - no one was surprised when he excelled as the top student during his Parachute training this year.

"Sapper Watson's physical prowess was founded on a character of immense strength and whilst his natural talent always shone through, it was always with great modesty and good humour; such qualities won him tremendous respect from all whom he served with.

"Sapper Watson worked selflessly on the most demanding of tasks; working to liberate Afghanistan from the threat of IEDs. In doing so, he paid the ultimate price - his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Major Richard Hawkins Royal Engineers, Officer Commanding 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"To be so highly thought of in a Squadron of so many talented and professional soldiers, is an indication of just how exceptional Sapper Dave Watson was, both as a soldier and a friend to many.

"Men of his high calibre can often be arrogant; Sapper Watson was anything but. A real team player, he helped out whenever he could and carried himself with a quiet confidence that was humbling given his obvious ability.

"Sapper Watson's vital work clearing mines and unexploded bombs throughout Helmand Province has undoubtedly saved the lives of countless soldiers and local civilians. No other job more directly represents the commitment of the British Army to ISAF's mission in creating a safer environment for the people of Afghanistan and he was immensely proud of his role.

"Sapper Watson’s death is a tragic loss to his family, friends and brothers in arms, but it has also strengthened the Squadron’s resolve to finish the job in hand. It was an honour to have served on operations with Sapper Watson and he will never be forgotten."

Lieutenant Lee Thornhill Royal Engineers, Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Bomb Disposal Officer and 1 Troop Commander:

"Sapper David Watson was a true soldier. On a recent pre Junior Non Commissioned Officer Cadre he gained the nickname 'PAM Head' such was his capacity to absorb and recall the information he was being taught.

"But he wasn't the kind of soldier who was satisfied with just the lesson and always wanted to know the 'whys and the hows?'. As his Troop Commander, I could not have asked for any more of him. He was a model Sapper and was most certainly destined for great things.

"He had already 'smashed' two arduous courses and had been awarded top student on Pegasus Company such was his ability and determination. He had gained the nickname 'The Leg' as his capacity for running was unsurpassed.

"Sapper Watson was a traveller at heart and loved to share stories of his trips to Australia and Thailand.

"No doubt the boys will raise a number of glasses in memory of 'The Leg' when they take their leave. He was a rare breed - the type of man who considered nothing too demanding or tough.

"He feared no challenge. 1 Airborne Troop and 49 Field Squadron (EOD) will be a lesser place without him.


Sergeant Dave Hird, Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, his colleague said:

"The future of my Corps has been denied a real star. "The Leg" (because his were freakishly long and he ran like the wind!) came to 1 (Airborne) Troop, after a short time at 24 Commando Engineer Regt where he had passed the All Arms Commando Course.

"Without much chance for hesitation or protest he was loaded straight on to P Company in order to be suitably qualified to wear the Maroon Beret.

"He came away with the Top Student award! His size and physical prowess were so immense his potential was seemingly limitless.

"It would have been very easy for Dave to get a big head and carried away with his achievements to date, but the measure of the man was his incredible humility.

"He never saw anything as a task beneath him and never hesitated in anything that was asked of him by anyone.

"He is a huge credit to his family and parents and should be held as the measure of what "the youth of today" can actually achieve. Dave Watson will not be forgotten amongst his Airborne and Commando Bomb Disposal brothers."

Lance Corporal Ellis Acaster, Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, his friend and colleague said of him:

"The very first moment I met him I knew he was an absolute machine. We did the Commando Course together and Dave was one those blokes everyone wanted to be.

"I remember Dave for many things but for me it was the nine mile speed march on our course, he cared more about the other blokes than he ever did for himself.

"The Army was made for him; he had achieved so much in such a short time, more than some in a career. Dave 'The Leg' Watson, Commando, Para, 'Machine' and friend - Always in our thoughts."

Lance Corporal Charles Best, Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, – friend and colleague:

"Sapper David Watson, 'The Leg', was probably one of the most professional and fittest soldiers I have met to date.

"I really got to know this huge structure of a man when we completed P Company together. He was always willing to do anything for anyone, even if he was already busy with other tasks.

"With a bad knee injury from Pre Para, he just worked harder and was rewarded with the Top Student on our course, breaking the existing record for points scored.

"You made such an impact on my life in such a short space of time, it is an honour to have been your friend and to have served with you, my thoughts are with your family and friends, take it easy mate."

Sapper Stu Little, Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, – friend and colleague:

"Dave 'The Leg' Watson had many moments of distinction in his short time with us, but this one sticks in my mind the most.

"After successful completion of P Company, the blokes who had passed were taken down town to take part in a time honoured ritual. 2 Chicken Phal's were ordered and Dave and Besty commenced eating. He destroyed it in seconds with his typical no fuss manner whilst Besty struggled in agony. True to the spirit of the man he took the remainder of Besty's Phal and smashed that down as well.

"Nothing you can say or write will be able to justify how good a soldier he was and how much he was one of the lads. We will all miss you Dave and we will always remember you."