Brian was educated in Sheffield, and at the London Hospital, qualifying M.D. in 1896. He took up a commission within the Medical Services at the rank of Lieutenant on 28th January 1898, then gained promotion to Captain on 28th January 1901. In 1907 he took the diploma in public health [DPH], then gained further promotion to the rank of Major on 28th October 1909. When war was declared he went to Woolwich where he formed No 2 Base Depot of Medical Stores, becoming the Commanding Officer. The unit was mobilized on 15th August 1914, then disembarked at Southampton for Havre on the 20th, arriving the next day, he entered the war in France on 21st August 1914. On 1st March 1915 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, then on 30th May 1915 took over command of the 14th Field Ambulance, serving on occasions as acting D.A.D.M.S. ad A.D.M.S., 5th Division when the need arose. On 3rd January 1916 he was given orders to leave the 5th Division to take up duty of Deputy Director of Medical Services, 55th Division, eventually taking up the post of Assistant Director. On 18th September 1916 he began serving under the rank of Temporary Colonel. Brian later served with the 29th Division. He was the son of J Watts; and the husband of Lilly, daughter of E S Thomasson F.R.G.S.