August 7, 1942 – “Pilot Officer T. W. Watson, who was born and raised in Whitehorse and was for some years an accountant in the local branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, has the distinction of having flown the last plane leaving Singapore as the Japanese entered that tragic area. ‘Tommy’ as he is familiarly called by his many friends in the North, has had an unique experience since he first enlisted in the R. C. A. F. in September, 1940.
In realistic style Tommy states ‘Got out of Singapore on an old Brewster Buffalo. Had never flown one before, but it could fly, and I had no other way out. It was the last plane to leave Singapore and the Japs were almost on the drome when I took off, so close they were able to fire at me with their rifles.’
He was shot down on March 3 and spent three days behind the Jap lines before he was able to get through. ‘Was taken to hospital and flown out by plane to Perth, Australia, in the early morning of March 7. Have a pretty terrible gash across my forehead and left eye; in fact am lucky to be flying again. However, I’m safe and well.’
At present Pilot Officer T. W. Watson is attached to the Royal Australian Air Force and flying an American plane but, he states, ‘my heart is still with the Hurricanes. They are beautiful planes to fly and I have done all my flying in them except for training.’
Well done Tommy! Whitehorse and all your friends in the north are justly proud of you. We sincerely trust that your devoted service to your King and Country will be fully recognized by the bestowal upon you of that mark of distinction which you most certainly merit.”
(The Whitehorse Star – Whitehorse, Y.T.)
