Bicorne hat of Rear Admiral Fischer Burgess Watson CBE, DSO, RN

A bicorne hat with black acorn and oak leaf jacquard ribbon trim, a black grosgrain rossette set with a gilt entwined cord centred by a button and flanked by a bullion and cord applique. Made by Owen Harries & Son, Russell Street, Langport, with its tin. The jappaning has mostly worn off the tin but is still visable, with a brass plaque engraved o F. B. Watson RN.

He was born in September 1884, eldest son of the lat Rear Admiral Burgess Watson and Marie Therese Fischer, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He died 14th August 1960. Educated at private school and HMS Brittania, Dartmouth.

His career started as a midshipman on 15th May 1899 at 15 years old. He served through the 1st World War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). In 1924 he was appointed in comand of the light cruiser Caledon. He was placed on the retired list in September of 1935 at his own request. He served in the 2nd World War on convoy service from 1939 to 1942 and was mentioned in Despatches. He then became the Captain of the landing ship Flotilla in the Mediterranean 1943 to 1944 where again he was mentioned in Despatches twice, awarded the CBE (Commander of the Empire) in 1943, and also awarded a BAR to his DSO.

He reached the rank of a Rear Admiral in the UK fleet & naval assistant to the 2nd Sea Lord. Then again he retired.

More information is available free from the National Archives.