The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
WWI hero remembered
History: Harbour memorial to fisherman who won Victoria Cross
A World War I hero will be remembered in his home village next month.
Joseph Watt was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his part in a fierce battle against the odds 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 before they were eventually forced to flee.
Mr Watt became a national hero in the aftermath of the Battle at the Strait of Otranto and was awarded the VC – the highest military decoration that can be awarded in the UK – for his bravery.
After the war Mr Watt modestly declined to discuss his heroic exploits and, despite its importance and high value, kept his VC in a drawer full of junk on his boat.
He was 67 when he died of cancer on February 13, 1955.
He is buried at Kirktown Cemetery at Fraserburgh.
His great-granddaughter, Lynsey Baxter, has now organised a commemoration service at Gardenstown harbour on May 10 in his memory.
An engraved stone will be erected at the harbour to mark the occasion at 11am.
A service to mark the occasion will be delivered by Fishermen’s Mission superintendent Miriam Kemp.
Children from Bracoden Primary School, which Mr Watt attended as a child, have also been invited to the event.
Mr Watt’s medal sold at auction in 2012 for £204,000.
“His greatgranddaughter has organised a commemoration service”