OPEN DAY

TRIBUTES have been paid to a legendary Scots soldier after his death at the age of 84.

Former Black Watch company sergeant major Joe Hubble served 28 years in the regiment and became a close pal of the Queen Mother and the Royal Family.

During a remarkable career, Joe served with the 1st Battalion, the Black Watch, in Germany, Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, Oman and Northern Ireland, from 1950 to 1977.

He was a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London from 1979 to 1999. Joe was often assigned as regimental escort to the Queen Mum during her visits to the Black Watch, including overseas trips.

Friend and former Black Watch army major Ronnie Proctor said: “Joe was a legend and an icon in the Black Watch. He was a great character and a great advert for the Black Watch.

“He was a real regimental treasure that will be sadly missed. When he became a Yeoman, he was well known to the colonel in chief of the regiment, the Queen Mother and then Prince Charles. He was ill for a while but he fought his illness bravely.”

Councillor and veterans’ campaigner Ronnie, 72, added: “One of the last communications I had from Joe was a special Black Watch Christmas card. I’ll be keeping that for the rest of my days.”

The news of Joe’s death triggered a flood of tributes on social media.

Robin Patrick Ellwood wrote: “A legend in the eyes of the Black Watch and to many people out of the regiment. He will be sadly missed by many. Joe touched many a heart of many soldiers. RIP Joe.”

John James Smith added: “Joe was the only yeoman ever allowed to wear his uniform outside of the UK when he accompanied the Queen Mother to visit the Black Watch in Berlin to celebrate her 60 years as Commander in Chief.

“I hasten to add it was followed by countless hours at the bar in the sergeants’ mess. A true legend.”

A post by the Field Marshal Haig’s Own Pipes & Drums said Joe was a “larger-than-life character”. They added: “He attended many ceremonies in Flanders, among them the unveiling of the Scottish Frezenberg Memorial in 2007 and the inauguration of the Black Watch Corner memorial in May 2014.

“He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”