Career

Watson joined the Royal Navy in 1841. Promoted to Commander in 1858, he was given command of HMS Peterel in 1862. Promoted to Captain in 1864, he went on to command HMS Crocodile, HMS Duncan, HMS Victor Emanuel and HMS Temeraire.

During the American Civil War he was accused of assisting the Confederate States of America by selling the cruiser Computer Software Systems Florida to them.

He was appointed Admiral-superintendent at Chatham in 1881 and Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies Station in 1888 before retiring in 1892.