The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) was the first kilted regiment in the British Army, and the first to introduce the bagpipe. It's the oldest Highland regiment and can trace a line back to 1624 when the government of the day started raising Independent Companies to keep a check on the wild clansmen.
The Black Watch
The Black Watch is one of the most famous fighting forces in the world. We combine the proud history and tradition of an organisation that has been soldiering for over 250 years, with the skills and professionalism of a front-line unit in a modern Army.
A Brief History of the Black Watch
The Black Watch was raised in a unique way. In the wake of 1715 Jacobite rebellion companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from local clans, Campbells, Grants, Frasers nad Munros. Six companies were formed from 1725 and stationed in small detachments across the Highlands to prevent fighting between clans, deter raiding and assist in enforcing the laws against the carrying of weapons.
In 1739 King George II authorised the raising of four additional companies and these were to be all formed into a Regiment of the Line of the regular army with the Earl of Crawford as the Colonel. The men were to be "native of that country and none other to be taken". The first muster of the new regiment took place near Aberfeldy the following year and is commemorated by a monument in the form of a soldier dressed in the uniform of those days.
Dress:
The original uniform was a twelve yard long plaid of the dark tartan which is now so well known as "The Black Watch tartan". This was fastened around the body with a leather belt. The jacket and waistcoat were scarlet with buff facings and white lace and blue bonnet were worn. The men were armed with a musket and bayonet, a broadsword and generally also a pistol and dirk (long dagger).
Name:
The title "The Black Watch" was derived from the dark colour of the tartan and the original role of the Regiment to "watch" the Highlands. The name has remained and is now incorporated in the official name of the Regiment.
Mutiny:
In 1743 the new Regiment was ordered to march to London for an assignment by the King. However word had it that the Regiment was to be shipped to the unhealthy climate of the West Indies, a rumour which was reinforced when it was discovered that the King was not to inspect them. Many of the men genuinely believed they had been enlisted only for service in Scotland and decided to return home. Leaving London and marching by night over a hundred of them reached Northamptonshire before they were eventually surrounded and brought back to London. They were tried by court martial and three of the leaders were condemned to be shot in the tower. The remainder of the Regiment proceeded to Flanders for action against the French. It must remain a question for speculation whether the 1745 Rebellion could ever have taken place had The Black Watch been left fulfilling its role in policing the Highlands rather than being posted to the Continent two years previously.
Fontenoy:
The Regiment was first in action at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. Although this was a British defeat, The Black Watch gained great distinction but its conduct being described by a French officer as "Highland Furies who rushed in on us with more violence than ever did the sea driven by tempest"
Ticonderoga:
The Regiment was next engaged in the French-Indian War and especially at the Battle of Ticonderoga in 1758 where during the attack on the fort of that name more than half the men became casualties. By this time the Regiment had been allocated the numerical slot "42nd" in seniority, a number which was to render illustrious all over the world.
In recognition of its worth it was now granted the title "Royal" and raised a Second Battalion. In 1786 this Battalion became a separate regiment in its own right, the 73rd and was much in action in India and Ceylon playing a prominent part in the capture of Mysore and Serinapatam.
The Americas:
Meanwhile the 42nd had been busy in the West Indies in Guadaloupe in 1759 and in Martinique and Havanna for which it was to receive its first battle honours.
