Edward Jack (Ned) Watson was born in 1870. He was from a pioneering family with his grandfather John J F Watson a former chief petty officer in the Royal Navy who emigrated to the Swan River Colony in 1841. Watson's father was the superintendent of the Boys Reformatory at Rottnest from 1881 to 1901.

Ned had a long career as a telegraphist, culminating in his appointment to Superintendent of Telegraphs at the Perth General Post Office. He had an intimate knowledge of Rottnest and through his manuscript, we have insight into the island's early European settlement and its sad history.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers please note that this book may contain descriptions and/or images of people who have passed away.

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