Dysartian
Jacobite Re-enactment - Highlanders in the Government Army
This re-enactment of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans shows regular government troops of King George's army, marching in front and Scottish Highlanders, in what looks like Black Watch tartan, marching behind them. However, because of the regiment’s history I'm not sure that the Black Watch fought at this particular battle.
The Black Watch Regiment was raised in a unique way. In the wake of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from loyal clans, Campbells, Grants, Frasers, Munros and others. Six companies were formed from 1725 and stationed in small detachments across the Highlands to prevent fighting between the clans, deter raiding and assist in enforcing the laws against the carrying of weapons.
In 1743 the new regiment was ordered to march to London for an inspection by the King. However word got out 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, whilst 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. Shock horror! Army top brass make a strategic mistake?
Jacobite Re-enactment - Highlanders in the Government Army
This re-enactment of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans shows regular government troops of King George's army, marching in front and Scottish Highlanders, in what looks like Black Watch tartan, marching behind them. However, because of the regiment’s history I'm not sure that the Black Watch fought at this particular battle.
The Black Watch Regiment was raised in a unique way. In the wake of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion companies of trustworthy Highlanders were raised from loyal clans, Campbells, Grants, Frasers, Munros and others. Six companies were formed from 1725 and stationed in small detachments across the Highlands to prevent fighting between the clans, deter raiding and assist in enforcing the laws against the carrying of weapons.
In 1743 the new regiment was ordered to march to London for an inspection by the King. However word got out 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, whilst 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. Shock horror! Army top brass make a strategic mistake?