Hundreds mourn death of Sapper David Watson
Jan 20 2010 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal
Among those who attended the funeral was George Russell, 68, from Winlaton, the chairman of the Tyneside branch of the Parachute Regimental Association.
He said: "We came here because Spr Watson was a fellow serviceman who paid the ultimate price serving his country and we wanted to show our respects.
"We knew there would be a big turn out today, because the people of Whickham are a very closely knit community and a death like this is felt by everyone.
"We really appreciate the large numbers of members of the public who have turned up today to show their respect."
Major Richard Hawkins, Royal Engineers, Officer Commanding 49 Field Squadron said: "Spr 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 International Security Assistance Force’s mission in creating a safer environment for the people of Afghanistan and he was immensely proud of his role.
"It was an honour to have served on operations with him and he will never be forgotten."
Childhood friend Paul Kings, 24, played football with Spr Watson at Whickham Fellside. He said: "He was a big friendly giant. He was really funny and liked to have a laugh. We are all very proud of what he achieved, but people aren’t just here because he was a brave soldier and gave his life for his country.
"They are also here because of who he was, a great lad who was liked by everyone. Whickham is quite a close community and the way everyone has come out today shows how much people thought of him."
Sian Clarke, 22, from Swalwell, went to Whickham Comprehensive with David. She said: "He could be quiet until you got to know him, then you realised he had a great sense of humour. Everyone was totally devastated when we found out what had happened on New Year’s Day."
After the ceremony, floral tributes from Spr Watson’s family were placed at the local war memorial. One from his parents said: "I am so proud of all you have achieved in the last three years. I will miss you so much and have lots of great memories of our life together. You will not be forgotten."
A tribute from his sister Michelle said: "You were my rock in life and I don’t know how I am going to move on without you. I love you so much."
Another message said : "David, you will be remembered as a happy young man playing all your youth football with your friends at Whickham Fellside from 1996 to 2004. It was a pleasure to coach you, to know you, to be part of your life, you will always be remembered within our club."
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