Uncategorised
The Oldest Highland Regiment – The Black Watch
I want today to pay tribute to the oldest Highland Regiment The Black Watch. The regiment was created as part of the Childers Reform in 1881 when the 42nd Royal Highlight Regiment merged with the 73rd Perthshire Regiment, the unit then officially adopted its long held moniker and became The Black Watch Royal Highlanders. Having been born and bred in Perthshire The Black Watch has a special place in my heart.
At the outbreak of WW1 some 25 Black Watch Battalions had been raised for service in France and Flanders, Palestine and Mesopotamia over 50,000 men. By the end of the war their losses had been severe some 8,000 lost their lives and 20,000 injured. Such was their reputation as fiersome fighters that the Germans gave them the nickname Ladies from Hell.
The Black Watch served in almost every single theatre of WWII including North Africa, Italy, Northwest Europe and Burma.
Sadly The Black Watch was amalgamated in 2006 into the The Royal Regiment of Scotland this also affected five other Scottish Infantry Units, The Royal Scots, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Highlanders and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – fortunately each were able to become a battalion within the new regiment preserving its own honours and traditions.
From its early days the regiment was based in Queens Barracks, Perth but in the 1960’s Queens Barracks was decommissioned, and the Collection of regimental artefacts was moved to Balhousie Castle, Perth. Today the Museum proudly preserves the legacy of one of the most distinguished regiments in the British Army and its well worth a visit. Today The Black Watch (3rd Battalion) is based at Fort George, Near Inverness.
As one of the most significant Highland Regiments, it’s appropriate that we reflect today on their sacrifice and honour their bravery and continued dedication.
Carol Slade
Managing Director
Masterframe Windows
