Tim Connolly
03-06-2003, 03:25 PM
Could someone sift through some links for me or point me in the right direction of information on the the Black Watch as that's me bands kilt and I know notha' aboot it.
Thanks :thumb:
Iain Sherwood
03-06-2003, 03:47 PM
started out in 1726 as 'independant companies' to 'watch' or patrol the Highlands to prevent insurrection and quash clan squabbles. In 1739 the were officially organised as the 43rd Regiment of Foot, with buff facings and under the command of the Earl of Crawford. Their first major battle was at Fontenoy in 1743; later on, in the French and Indian War in the American Colonies, they distinguished themselves at Ticonderoga, where they took crippling casualties but prvailed under Gen. Abercrombie. After Ticonderoga they were retitled the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment and given blue facings and new colours.
In their 274 year history they have served with distinction in America, France, Egypt, India, North Africa, and the Far East- all over the world. They are the oldest kilted regiment in the world, having changed the kilt for breeches only once (in the Revolutionary War - the swamps and midges were murderous) before the days of modern battle dress in WW II. In 1881 under the Cardwell Reforms the 42nd and 73rd Regiments were amalgamated to become 'The Black Watch - The Royal Highland Regiment' and they remain so to this day.
There are many good source books detailing the history of the 42nd, including one of the Osprey books, available from Amazon or other booksellers.
Renny
03-07-2003, 04:35 AM
If you haven't seen it Mario has some interesting stuff on the Black Watch at this site.
http://blackwatch.interfree.it/blackwatch.html
Scratcher
03-12-2003, 01:28 AM
Originally posted by Tim Connolly:
Could someone sift through some links for me or point me in the right direction of information on the the Black Watch as that's me bands kilt and I know notha' aboot it.
Thanks :thumb: I wouldn't get too hung up on researching the Black Watch.
Your kilt isn't "Black Watch" tartan its Government Tartan (ie GI). 1BW amongst others wear this.
Cheers
Dave