Reginald Andrew Wentworth Watson.  Reg was a full time, professional writer, speaker, and historian. He was a journalist with over 52 years of published experience. Sadly, Reg passed away on the 17th of March 2023. He has many major publications to his credit, most dealing with Tasmanian history, including military. His journalism has seen him contribute over a thousand articles, dealing with human interest, feature work and news reporting, to numerous newspapers and magazines state-wide, nation-wide, and overseas.

Book Release

Following on from the popular The History of Tasmania Volume One, Reg released The History of Tasmania Volume Two.

Volume Two deals with the incredible development of the independent colony, which includes the Boer War (1899-1902). On the 1st January 1901 came federation, later WWI and the industrial development such as Hydro construction. Then WWII, following by a brief summary of post war Tasmania.

The book is entertaining. It is not just a record of events. To highlight the personal experience of those who lived before us, the book follows the lives of a pioneering family, the Wentworths together with the Wades who came with Colonel David Collins in 1804 and the Morgan family who arrived in Sydney on the First Fleet in 1788 and later to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).
The book is factual and covers all aspects of Tasmanian history like mining, the theatre, communication, church, social, newspapers, war, industry, political development and so much more.

From Reg’s Desk

Remembrance Day
Reg. A. Watson It was more than a hundred years ago that our Tasmanian ANZACS came home. Home to Tasmania away from the hell of war. Home to recover and home to start their life again. …
The Service and Legacy of Her Majesty the Queen
With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we witnessed history.  For most here today, all we have known is The Queen!  Suddenly to realise that she is no longer with us comes as a …
The Queen in Tasmania
With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it is well to remember her connection toTasmania. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during her 1963 Tasmanian tour at the steps of the Town Hall. Sitting, Mayor …
Was the past better than today?
People born post 1990 may think society has always been like it is, but having been born in the late 40s, I can compare what is to what was.  Over those seventy and more years, things …

Life Membership British Australian Community

On the 2nd of July 2022 at a ceremony held in Melbourne, Reg was made a Life Member of the British Australian Community.


“The study of history allows us to understand our past and guide us going forward.
We have much to loose if we don’t reflect on our history”

Reg Watson

I recognise the incredible contribution that the early settlers and pioneers of Tasmania have made to society.  I acknowledge their sacrifice, their endurance against massive odds and their leadership past, present and into the future. I honour those who went before me, including those soldiers who left our land to lay their life on the line.  I acknowledge them all.