Allan Archibald Watson (1922 - 2012)

Born 31 Jan 1922 in Auckland, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Nancy Lenore (Dwight) Watson — married 27 Nov 1948 in New Zealand

Died 9 Jan 2012 at age 89 in Auckland, New Zealand

Biography

Allan Archibald Watson Death Notice Published in The New Zealand Herald on Jan. 11, 2012 First 25 of 160 words: WATSON, Allan Archibald (Skip). DFC, 4212905, RNZAF, Squadron Leader On 9th January 2012 Skip passed away at Auckland Hospital after a brief battle with pneumonia....

‘Skip’ Watson (1922-2012) You will go a long way to find anyone with a bad word to say about Allan Archibald ‘Skip’ Watson, who died of pneumonia last month just short of his 90th birthday. As a sprightly halfback, Watson captained the 1951 Grammar side which won the Gallaher Shield. He moved seamlessly into refereeing and became a most popular whistler, one of the best in Auckland through the 1950s and ‘60s. He was also a fine singer and keen marathon runner, keeping himself super-fit. Though he never officiated at international level, Watson did take charge of several rep fixtures and was a life member of the Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association, for whom he served as president in 1965-66. He also served in the airforce during World War Two, and won a DFC, a bravery medal. Bill Potter, who has refereed over 1000 matches at various levels, will dedicate this season to ‘Skip’ Watson.

Jan 11, 2012 at 7:06pm QuotePost Options Post by chinapilot on Jan 11, 2012 at 7:06pm

WATSON, Allan Archibald (Skip). 4212905, RNZAF, Squadron Leader DFC On 9th January 2012 Skip passed away at Auckland Hospital after a brief battle with pneumonia. Aged 90 Years - less three weeks. Dearly beloved husband and best friend of Liz. Cherished father and father-in -law of Lenore and Doug Donaldson, Murray, Peter and Didi, Brett and Jules. Treasured granddad of James, Sue and Mal, Kate and Lindsay; Campbell and Amber, Gareth and Erin; Melanie and Tim; Lewis and Abby. Great granddad to Connor, Dan and Noah; Bailey, Nikita, Mikayla and Xavier. Loved brother of Kevin, Dawn, Trevor and Joy. A Service to celebrate Skip's wonderful life will be held at the All Saints Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, 100 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank on Friday 13th January at 1.30pm.

From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999:

WATSON, Squadron Leader Allan Archibald, DFC. NZ4212905 & 131766; Born Auckland, 31 Jan 1922; NZ Army (2 Fd Coy NZE) 1 yr; RNZAF 24 Oct 1942 to 23 May 1946, Res. to 1 Jan 1952, TAF to 1 Aug 1957, Res. to 31 Jan 1977; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (11 Jan 1946): [19 Sqn RNZAF (Kittyhawk) & 22 Sqn RNZAF (Corsair)] Four consecutive tours of duty involving 188 missions and 351 hours operational flying have been completed by this officer who throughout has shown ability and enthusiasm above the ordinary and extreme devotion to duty. He led his section in a low-level attack against enemy anti-aircraft positions on 29th January, 1945, effectively silencing Japanese fire and enabling another squadron to carry out a bombing mission without loss. Three days later he led an attack on enemy installations at Kavieng, and in spite of fierce anti-aircraft fire which caused extensive damage to his aircraft he pressed home his attack and scored a direct hit on a hangar. Flight Lieutenant Watson’s gallantry has been outstanding and he has tempered dash and determination with a sound sense of a leader’s responsibility. Flew one tour with 19 Sqn and three with 22 Sqn, the last as a Flt Cdr.

Errol

Sources

• http://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz