World War I British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. In the First World War, served as a Chief Skipper officer in the Royal Naval Reserve. On May 15, 1917, Skipper Watt with a eight man crew on the drifter Gowanlea, was on routine patrol in the Otranto Strait, Mediterranean Sea, with other small search crafts. Unbeknownst to Wattt, the Austrians had planned a major operation against the Allied barrage lines with two destroyers and three submarines. The Gowanlea was confronted by the Austrian Destroyer Novara, which demanded surrender of the ship and ordered the crew to abandon ship prior to sinking. Instead, Watt ordered his crew to open fire on their large opponent with the drifter's 6-pounder guns. The Gowanlea was hit by heavy shells, seriously damaged with several crewmen wounded but continued to fight. The other drifters followed in the fight and although many were damaged, managed to head off the Austrian cruisers. Skipper Watt, despite his ship's damage and casualties moved amongst the wreckage, rescuing wounded men and providing medical attention to those in most need. For meritorious service, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal on August 29, 1917.
World War I British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. In the First World War, served as a Chief Skipper officer in the Royal Naval Reserve. On May 15, 1917, Skipper Watt with a eight man crew on the drifter Gowanlea, was on routine patrol in the Otranto Strait, Mediterranean Sea, with other small search crafts. Unbeknownst to Wattt, the Austrians had planned a major operation against the Allied barrage lines with two destroyers and three submarines. The Gowanlea was confronted by the Austrian Destroyer Novara, which demanded surrender of the ship and ordered the crew to abandon ship prior to sinking. Instead, Watt ordered his crew to open fire on their large opponent with the drifter's 6-pounder guns. The Gowanlea was hit by heavy shells, seriously damaged with several crewmen wounded but continued to fight. The other drifters followed in the fight and although many were damaged, managed to head off the Austrian cruisers. Skipper Watt, despite his ship's damage and casualties moved amongst the wreckage, rescuing wounded men and providing medical attention to those in most need. For meritorious service, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal on August 29, 1917.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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