Profiles - Charles Watkins
Charles Watkins began learning pipes shortly before WWII and soon joined the Pipes & Drums. On the outbreak of war Charles joined the Wellington Company of the 25th Battalion and left for overseas service with the 3rd Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He served in the Western Desert and was captured in 1942 remaining a POW until the War's conclusion. On returning to New Zealand he rejoined the Wellington Regiment (and the Pipes & Drums), attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Although always a piper, Charles had the signal honour of being acting Drum Major when the Wellington Regiment provided the Guard of Honour for the State Opening of Parliament by HM Queen Elizabeth in 1954 (centre-right in picture below). Charles was selected because of his general military experience and as he was a member of the Battalion Colour Guard.

Charles left the Regiment in the late 1950s, and is now retired. Since then he has been especially active in veterans affairs, particularly for his Battalion and for former POWs, and has contributed photographic collections and materials to the Alexander Turnbull Library as well as to WSPD. It is hoped soon to include some of his historical "78s" pipe band recordings on this site. He is married to Mary, has a large family, and lives in Wellington.