The Black Watch

Am Freiceadan Dubh

In the year 1739, the six independent companies of the "Highland Watch",
along with four newly-raised companies, were incorporated into
a Regiment of Foot under John, the Earl of Crawford. This Regiment was
originally numbered the 43rd Highland Regiment, but was
renumbered as the 42nd in 1749.

The new Regiment continued to serve as the Highland Watch,
in Scotland, but the British command sent the
regiment as reinforcements in Flanders and Germany, in the
war of the Austrian Succession. This resulted in
a mutiny in 1743, but ended without bloodshed. (Save the
executions of those responsible!) The regiment
received its baptism of fire in the Battle of Fontenoy, 1745,
and returned in 1745 during the Jacobite
Rebellion, where they were stationed in the south, in anticipation
of a French invasion. In 1747, they were
garrisoned in Ireland, where they remained for 9 years.

The 42nd was sent to New York in 1756, and took part in an
unsuccessful attempt on Louisbourg in 1757,
and fought in the first battle of Fort Ticonderoga in 1758, losing
over half its troops in a valiant assault on the
breastworks. Prior the the action at Ticonderoga, the Black Watch
was given the distinction of being a
"Royal" regiment, changing the uniform's facings from buff to royal
blue, and earning the right to bear a
distinctive seal on the colors and drums. The regiment was known
from then on as The 42nd (Royal
Highland) Regiment or Royal Highlanders. The Regiment took part in
actions throughout North America, as
far west as forts Massac and De Chartres.
The 42nd later served in the American Revolution, and in India,
and is still active today, the most senior of all
the Highland regiments. The Regiment still has ties in North America,
through the Black Watch of Canada in
Montreal.

For a more complete history, look at the timeline
of the Regiment's history in North America.

Back