Name: Thomas Watts
Burial Number: 1268
Gender: Male
Occupation: Petty Officer Royal Navy
Distinction: Coastguard Chief Officer
Born: 12/06/1865
Died: 11/11/1926
Buried: 16/11/1926
Story
Thomas Watts was born in Nettlecombe, Somerset, on 12th June 1865, he was the son of John Watts, 29yrs, Under Gamekeeper, and Ann, 30yrs; he had 3 siblings, Selina b.1863, Fanny b.1868, and William b.1870.
At the age of 15yrs, Thomas joined the Royal Navy as a boy sailor, he was just 5ft 2ins, with light brown hair and blue eyes. On his 18th birthday in 1883 Thomas, now 5ft 6ins, signed on for 10yrs, his service was extended in 1892 and he completed 40yrs in the Royal Navy.
Thomas married Fanny Tuckfield, 23yrs, on 11th September 1890, in the Parish Church of Stogumber, Somerset. They had 2 daughters, Edith b.1892 and Daisy Ann b.1894.
In 1900, Thomas transferred to a position as Boatman with the coastguard service * which was part of the naval reserve. He served at various coastguard stations including Selsey and Southampton, accompanied by his wife and children. He worked his way up through the ranks and was eventually a Chief Officer when he retired at 55yrs of age in 1920.
In 1921 Thomas and Fanny were living at 87, Rowlands Road, Worthing, Sussex, where Thomas died on 11th November 1926, aged 61yrs.
Researcher: Maggi Martin
The Grave
Location in Cemetery
Area: NWS Row: 6 Plot: 5
Exact Location (what3words): proud.oval.moves
Ashes or Urn: Unknown
Headstone
Description:
No description of the headstone has been added.
Inscription:
In loving memory of my dear husband Thomas Watts who passed away 11th Nov 1926 aged 61 years Also of Fanny his beloved wife who passed away 11th March 1950 in her 84th year "Reunited"
Further Information
Birth
Name: Thomas Watts
Gender: Male
Born: 12/06/1865
Town: Unknown
County: Somerset
Country: England
Marriage
Maiden Name: Not applicable
Marriage Date: 11/09/1890
Spouse First Name: Fanny
Spouse Last Name: Tuckfield
Town of Marriage: Unknown
County of Marriage: Somerset
Country of Marriage: England
Information at Death
Date of Death: 11/11/1926
Cause of death: Unknown
Address line 2: 87
Address line 3: Rowlands Road
Town: Worthing
County: Sussex
Country: England
Obituary
No obituary has been entered.
Personal Effects
Money left to others: No value recorded
Current value of effects: Not calculated
Census Information
1871
Living at Smithyard, St. Decumans, Somerset. John Watts, Hd. 34yrs, Under Gamekeeper, wife, Ann, 30yrs, 4 children, Selina, 7yrs, Thomas, 5yrs, Fanny, 3yrs, William, 1yr, mother, Sarah, widow, 71yrs.
1901
Living at 5, Coastguard Buildings, Selsey, Sussex. Thomas Watts, Hd. 35yrs, Coastguard, wife, Fanny, 34yrs, 2 daughters, Edith, 9yrs, Daisy Anne, 7yrs.
1911
Living at 81, Foundry Lane, Freemantle, Southampton. Thomas Watts, Hd. 45yrs, Petty Officer H.M. Coastguard, wife, Fanny, 44yrs, daughter, Daisy Anne, 17yrs, Assistant Dressmaker.
1921
Living at 87, Rowlands Road, Worthing, Sussex. Thomas Watts, Hd. 56yrs, Retired Chief Officer, H.M. Coastguard, wife, Fanny, 54yrs.
Miscellaneous Information
The Development of the Coastguard Service: *
The Coastguard Service was originally the result of a reorganisation of other existing services aimed at countering the immense smuggling activity that prevailed during the first quarter of the 19th century. It has subsequently undergone many further reorganisations and is now responsible for ship and coastline safety.
Smuggling in Britain has existed for many centuries. Whenever a tax or duty was placed on the export or import of materials or goods there have been individuals who have tried to exploit the opportunity of trade by illegally importing or exporting those goods. The export of tin from Cornwall, iron from Sussex and wool from many parts of Britain all gave rise to smuggling activity. The taxes placed on imports of luxury items (silk, tea, coffee, brandy and gin) also led to illegal imports of such magnitude that it has been estimated that by the middle of the 18th century 50% of the spirits consumed in Britain was smuggled.
In 1856, at the end of the Crimean War, control of the Coastguard Service was transferred to the Admiralty. By this time smuggling was on the wane and the lifesaving role and Naval Reserve aspects were more significant.
Coastguards served on ships and on shore. Men on shore were moved away from their home location for fear of collusion. Coastguard Stations were equipped with living quarters for married men as well as single quarters. Each station was commanded by a Chief Officer (normally a Royal Navy lieutenant). Beneath him were Chief Boatman, Commissioned Boatman and Boatman ranks.
Many men entered the service from the Royal Navy.
