William Erskine Watson

Bank: Commercial Bank of Scotland

Place of work: Edinburgh Warrender Park branch

Died: 24 March 1918

William Erskine Watson was born in Eccles, Berwickshire, in 1897, the son of the Reverend John M Watson, a United Free Church of Scotland minister, and his wife Margaret. He was educated at George Watson's College in Edinburgh. In October 1915 Watson went to work for Commercial Bank of Scotland as an apprentice at its Edinburgh Warrender Park branch.

During the First World War Watson joined the army, initially as a Private in the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). He was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 1916. He was later commissioned into The King's (Liverpool Regiment). Second Lieutenant William Erskine Watson was killed in action on the Somme on 24 March 1918. He was 20 years old.

William Erskine Watson is commemorated on a bank war memorial at 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.