A Tayside war hero who survived a Nazi torpedo attack and went on to take part in the Allied invasion of Italy has celebrated another milestone.
Bob Watson, who lives in Monifieth, has just turned 100 and is one of the few people who has now received a second message from The Queen having previously had one on his 60th wedding anniversary in 2008.
Mr Watson, who was born and raised in Dundee, was a joiner before being called up to the Royal Engineers in 1940 during the Second World War.
He was trained in bridge building, mine laying and clearance work.
Mr Watson almost lost his life 77-years-ago tomorrow, when his troopship was targeted during the invasion of North Africa.
On December 22 1942, Cameronia was hit by a torpedo off Algeria which blew a hole in its side and claimed the lives of 17 people. He was landed at Bejaia on Christmas Eve 1942.
It was there he and his comrades spent Christmas before being shipped to Constantine and the front line.
He was with the First Army in its battle for Tunis where his job was clearing mines for the combat forces to advance through.
In September 1943 he took part in the Allied invasion of Italy, landing by craft at Taranto.
Mr Watson also helped to build bridges over the many Italian rivers including the first bridge over the river Po.
The move north was delayed by the fierce Battle for Monte Casino but he did participate in the victory parade through Rome. His unit finally ended up in Klagenfurt in Austria.
In 1946 he was demobbed and resumed his career as a joiner and worked on many building projects in the Dundee and Angus area.
He met Ella when he returned to Dundee and the couple married on July 13 1948.
Mr Watson went on to work as a building inspector in Dundee.
He was involved with the building of the Tower Block of Dundee University, the new Lawside Academy, Monifieth High School, Carnoustie High School and the car park on Constitution Road as well as a number of housing projects.
He retired from the council 32 years ago and has spent his retirement playing bridge and bowls with his wife and going on overseas holidays.
Ella died on July 13 2012, exactly 64 years to the day after they were married.
Mr Watson enjoyed a birthday lunch at Scotscraig Golf Club where he was joined by his three sons Graham, Robert and Alistair and their wives Marjory, Morag and Susan along with his sister-in-law Joyce.
“This was an exciting day and I am looking forward to the larger family party planned for this weekend in the Royal Tay Yacht Club,” he said.
“I will be able to celebrate further with friends and family including my seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.”
Mr Watson said the secret of his long life is in the genes.
His mother lived until her late 90s and his brother, Alex, was 97 when he died.
He also had another brother, Hector and a sister, Mabel. However, they are all now deceased.
