Charles Vincent Watson

Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Vincent Watson, D.S.O., V.D., L. de H. (2 June 1882 – 10 February 1930) was an Australian military officer during the First World War. He was an officer of the Commonwealth Patent Office for 25 years, and a highly-regarded Commissioner of Patents. He was well-known as a man about town, prominent in Melbourne's sporting and club circles.

Early life Watson was born in Horsham, Victoria to George Rolleston Watson and Catherine Elizabeth Watson, née Donnelly. He was educated at Xavier College, Kew, and trained as an architect with the Victorian Public Works Department. In 1905 he transferred to the Commonwealth Public Service, as assistant examiner in the Patents Office, a branch of the Attorney-General's Department. as Commissioner of Patents.

Last years Watson was one of Melbourne's personalities, and was prominent in sporting, and club life. His height and good physique gave him a distinguished appearance. He was a committeeman of the Naval and Military Club, and a member of several others, including the Athenaeum Club.

On 1 February 1930, Watson sustained an injury on a moored raft while bathing near Frankston. He took to his bed and appendicitis developed. He was taken to a private hospital in Melbourne for the operation, and died subsequently. His remains were interred with military honours at Box Hill Cemetery.