A fisherman's war medals, including a Victoria Cross, earned for bravery during the First World War have sold at auction for more than £200,000.
Joseph Watt, from Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire, earned a string of prestigious medals for his actions in the face of enemy fire at sea.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross - the UK's highest military honour - following a major battle in the Adriatic Sea in 1917.
His five war medals sold for £204,000 at Spink auction house in London on Thursday. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed.
While patrolling the Straits of Otranto, separating Italy and Albania, Mr Watt faced a confrontation with enemy forces and refused to surrender.
Instead he made straight for the enemy boat on his much smaller vessel, the Gowanlea. Though his boat was damaged, his crew escaped and they were able to rescue others from nearby vessels destroyed in the battle.
His bravery earned him the Victoria Cross and gallantry medals from both France and Italy. He was also awarded the Coronation medal in 1937, awarded to all VC recipients, and the Serbian Medal for Zeal.
IN DETAIL

To leave a comment, please sign in.