The Furies 'first to come and last to go'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Black Watch was first raised as a militia unit in 1725 and became a regiment of the regular army in 1739. Initially, they policed the wild Highland clansmen after the first Jacobite rebellion, the authorities deciding it would take a thief to catch a thief. Its Gaelic motto translates as "The Black Watch of Battles, First to Come and Last to Go."
The Black Watch was first raised as a militia unit in 1725 and became a regiment of the regular army in 1739. Initially, they policed the wild Highland clansmen after the first Jacobite rebellion, the authorities deciding it would take a thief to catch a thief. Its Gaelic motto translates as "The Black Watch of Battles, First to Come and Last to Go."
The name comes from their task to "watch" the Highlands and the dark tartan they wore. They were the first kilted regiment in the British Army and the first to introduce the bagpipes. The distinctive red hackle has been worn since the 1770s.
The regiment first saw action at Fontenoy in 1745. Although a British defeat, the Black Watch was described by a French officer as "Highland Furies who rushed in on us with more violence than ever did the sea driven by tempest".
In 1801 it fought at the Battle of Alexandria, capturing the colour of Napoleon's "Invincible" legion. The regiment won the honour of bearing the Sphinx on its colours and badge.
From the regiment's first action it has served in almost every foreign campaign. In the 20th century it saw action in both world wars, Korea and Northern Ireland. It captured Baghdad from the Turks in 1917.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments