In 1901, the Watson family were living at Birnam View, Townhead, Coupar Angus: Father, Robert (Solicitor) (46); Mother, Margaret (37); Son, Lawrence J. (9); Son, Douglas R. (6); Son, Arthur H. (4); and Son, Howard (1). Also living at this address was Agnes McL. Dargie (General Servant, Domestic) (16).

Howard Watson was taking part in a training flight from Harlaxton Airfield when his aircraft, R.E.8. B7729, was in collision with aircraft, R.E.8, A4546, when flying in formation, near Stamford, Lincolnshire. Three aircrew were killed: Second Lieutenant Myer Joseph Levine (18) of Cromer Norfolk. Buried in Norwich Cemetery, Norfolk. Lieutenant Arthur Burrell Thorne (23) of Heacham, Norfolk. Buried in Heacham (St. Mary) Churchyard, Norfolk. Second Lieutenant Howard Watson (18) of Coupar Angus. Buried in Coupar Angus Parish Churchyard.

Blairgowrie Advertiser, 11th May 1918

“Mr. R. Watson, Town Clerk, received the sad information on Thursday morning that his son, Second Lieutenant Howard Watson, Royal Flying Corps, had been killed by accident in England."

"It appears that ascending from a Lincolnshire aerodrome, two machines at a great height, collided, became locked, and turning over and over, crashed to the ground, three of the occupants being killed."

"Lieut. Watson was about 19 years of age, and enlisted voluntarily in May, 1917, having previously been engaged in the Bank of Scotland here. Prior to enlisting he was an ardent volunteer, and had attained the rank of Corporal in the local corps." 

"Much sympathy is expressed with his parents in their great loss. Last summer another son, Douglas, was drowned at Rangoon”.

Blairgowrie Advertiser, 18th May 1918

“On Monday the remains of Second Lieut. Howard Watson, R.A.F., son of Mr Robert Watson, Town Clerk, and who met his death in a flying accident in Lincolnshire last week, were interred in Coupar Angus Churchyard."

"The attendance at the funeral was the largest ever witnessed in the town…The coffin, covered with the Union Jack, was conveyed on a gun carriage, and during the passing of the cortege, the Steeple bell was tolled…Three volleys were fired over the grave by a party under Sergt.-Major D. C. Adam and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Bugler H. Mitchell"

...In a letter to the parents of the gallant young airman, the Commanding Officer of the 43rd Squadron R.A.F. writes as follows:- "Your son was getting on splendidly as an airman, and showed great promise of becoming an expert pilot in a very short time. Only a couple of days ago he was posted to a Specialist Squadron to undergo advanced training. He was exceptionally keen, and had he lived would have undoubtedly have given a very good account of himself."

"His loss is especially felt by all ranks in the Squadron, as he was such a charming boy and a good comrade. His country loses the services of a very gallant boy."

Preaching from II. Timothy iv. 7 Rev. J. Walker said ‘He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith, and this good soldier of Jesus has entered his Captain’s presence.’

Howard Watson is also commemorated on the Civic Roll of Honour in Coupar Angus Town Hall; the Coupar Angus North United Free Church War Memorial; the Coupar Angus Abbey Church War Memorial; and the Coupar Angus Public School War Memorial.