At 100 years old, Second World War veteran John Watson certainly outlasted the life expectancy his family had for him when he shipped off to Europe.
“They thought they’d never see me again,” Watson said. “But I fooled them. I made it back home.”
Veterans Affairs Canada estimates the population of living Second World War and Korean War Veterans at approximately 4,308. Watson said he’s now the last surviving member of the Royal Regina Rifles to have served overseas during the war.
“I guess I’m getting old,” he joked. “I can’t believe I’m still here.”
Despite turning 100 last December, Watson still makes it out to all the Remembrance Day events in his adopted home of Swift Current, Sask., about 225 kilometres west of Regina.
“It brings back a lot of memories. Some good and some bad,” Watson said. “It keeps a lot of friendships going. They treat me very good. It’s like a second family to me.”
John Watson lays a wreath at the Swift Current cenotaph every Remembrance Day. (Submitted by Jayda Watson)
The Royal Canadian Legion in Swift Current turns to Watson as an ambassador of sorts at many events.
“It has meant the world to us and to the people of the community,” said John Griffin, public relations officer for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56.
“It’s a great way for younger generations to engage and learn that history from somebody who was there. He does a great job of working with younger generations and being able to bridge that gap.”
Watson grew up in Drinkwater, Sask., a village just southwest of Regina. He said he enlisted when his brother failed the physical and his family felt someone should represent them.
“I thought it was my duty,” Watson said. “Europe was in a terrible mess and the people were really hurting, so I thought if I could be of help, I’d better get going.”
A picture of Rifleman John Watson during his Second World War service. (Submitted by Jayda Watson)
Watson arrived in France shortly after D-Day in 1944. He also served in Belgium, the Netherlands and post-war Germany.
He said conditions were tough, but his youth helped his perspective.
“A lot of the guys were afraid and I never really was afraid. I don’t know why,” Watson said. “I was young and I was single and I didn’t have any real responsibilities back home. So I felt free and wasn’t concerned about anything.”
Watson was in the Netherlands when the treaty that freed it from German occupation was signed. He recalled the reception the Canadian soldiers would get.
“They were really happy and they really respected us,” Watson said. “Especially if you mentioned the Royal Regina Rifles, and then they couldn’t do enough for you.”
John Watson and his granddaughter Jayda Watson are greeted by the crowd at a 2025 parade in the Netherlands. (Canada Remembers/Facebook)
He and his granddaughter Jayda travelled to the Netherlands in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation.
“You couldn’t imagine how they rebuilt their country,” Watson said. “It kind of made you feel more proud, because we were a part of it and we helped them to get there.”
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Despite the celebrations and hero’s welcomes, Watson still consistently comes back to a message he wants to pass along.
“Quit doing these wars,” he said.
“The world’s crazy. The wars that we’re in today, and nobody seems to learn a lesson from them. I don’t know how you do it.… I think we’re in the worst condition we’ve ever been in in our lifetime. Wars all over the place and for what?”
Griffin noted that through the years of service and long life, it’s Watson’s character that stands out.
“He’s just an all-around great guy,” Griffin said. “He’s a humble man. But he’s always willing to joke around with you and always a very happy man.… I know he still rides his horses even at 100 years old.”
Watson said war taught him to appreciate every day – but it didn’t change him.
“I still stayed the happy-go-lucky guy,” he added. “Life was good and you laugh here and there. If you don’t have a few good laughs a day, it’s a waste of a day.”
Watson will be in attendance as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 marks Remembrance Day in Swift Current with ceremonies at the local cenotaph in Memorial Park and at the Swift Current Comprehensive High School.
