Charles Wilbraham Watson Ford

Brigadier Charles Wilbraham Watson Ford (1896-1972) was a senior officer in the British Indian Army during World War II. He was educated at Cheltenham College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and appointed to the Unattached List for appointment to the Indian Army on 16 December 1914.[1] Ford was appointed to the 35th Sikhs on 11 February 1915.[2]

He served in Mesopotamia from 2 October 1916 to 26 January 1918 and from 24 June 1918 to 19 January 1919. He was Mentioned in the Dispatches London Gazette on 27 August 1918.[3]

He served during the Afghanistan, North West Frontier 1919 operations and was wounded.[4]

Ford transferred to the 5th battalion 11th Sikh Regiment on 1 February 1922[5] and rose to be appointed Lieut-Colonel commanding on 2 May 1938.[6]

He was appointed acting then temporary Colonel from 9 May 1941 to 1 November 1943. He was also appointed acting then temporary Brigadier from 9 May 1941. He was a Brigade commander from 9 May 1941 to 29 July 1942.[7]

As part of Paiforce (formerly Iraqforce), Ford commanded the 19th Indian Infantry Brigade of the Indian 8th Infantry Division during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Persia.

He was Mentioned in the Dispatches London Gazette on 17 December 1942 for gallant and distinguished services in Waziristan as Lt-Col.[8]

Ford was promoted to colonel on 2 November 1943 with seniority from 2 May 1941.[9]

He retired colonel (honorary brigadier) on 1 September 1947.[10]

He died in Battle, Sussex, on 13 October 1972.