A north-east village turned out to commemorate the heroics of a local war hero yesterday on the 100th anniversary of his Victoria Cross-winning efforts.
Joseph Watt was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his part in a fierce battle on May 15, 1917, when his tiny fishing boat was attacked by the 424ft Austrian cruiser Novara.
Despite being hopelessly outgunned and urged to abandon ship, Mr Watt urged on his eight-man crew, reportedly saying: “Three cheers lads, and let’s fight to the finish.”
The crew of the 87ft Gowanlea put up a valiant fight against their foe and even rescued men from another boat during the event.
And yesterday those heroics were remembered when a massive crowd of locals, including pupils from Bracoden Primary School where Mr Watt studied, gathered at the harbour to unveil a plaque bearing his name.
Last night, local councillor Mark Findlater, who served in army, said: “Being an ex-soldier, I really get it – celebrating this man’s life.
“It was great to see the amount of people who turned out today as well, including locals, the kids from Bracoden and even a few tourists.
“And I think Joseph would have had a wry smile on his face about it all, with the amount of effort the community put in for him. This is something that a lot of people, especially the children, will never forget.”
Mr Watt, who was known to many as VC Joe, became a national hero in aftermath of the battle at the Strait of Otranto.
But after the war he modestly declined repeated interview attempts to discuss his heroic exploits and, despite its importance and high value, kept his VC in a drawer on his boat.
He was 67 when he died of cancer on February 13, 1955.
Mr Findlater added: “He’s brought us all together, and I think Gardenstown has done him proud.
“He really is a local hero.”
Mr Watt is buried at Kirktown Cemetery at Fraserburgh.