An officer serving with the Bengal Army, Watson received his Victoria Cross for actions at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny.

[1] His first combat action came in December 1848 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War when Watson took part in the Siege of Multan, while serving with the 1st Bombay European Fusiliers.

[3] By the early 1850s, he was adjutant of the 1st Punjab Cavalry, when Lieutenant, later Field-Marshall, Frederick Roberts observed that Watson "was looked upon as one of the most promising officers of the Frontier Force.

"[4] Watson was 28 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Punjab Cavalry, Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 14 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, for which he was awarded the VC: Lieut.

The Ressaldar in command of them – a fine specimen of the Hindustani Mussalman – and backed up by some half-dozen equally brave men, rode out to the front.

He was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the order (GCB) in the 1902 Coronation Honours list published on 26 June 1902,[9][10] and was invested by King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace on 8 August 1902.