A reputation forged in heat of war
By Thomas Harding
(Filed: 25/10/2004)

It is perhaps inevitable that during the last three centuries of bludgeoning Britain's foes the Black Watch has fought both American and Arab.

As America fought for independence, the founding father of the United States, George Washington, once found himself at the wrong end of a "Jock" musket during a skirmish in Brooklyn, New York.

Many an Arab who sought to escape British rule fell at the hands of the Highlanders during wars in the Orient at the end of the 19th century.

Raised to blunt the belligerent nature of their fellow Scots following the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, the regiment drew on recruits from the loyal clans of Campbells, Frasers, Grants and Munros.

With their dark tartan and role of keeping an eye on unruly Highland neighbours, it became known as the Black Watch.

A regimental theory has it that the 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie rebellion would have gone nowhere if the soldiers had not been posted to the Continent where, in the same year, they distinguished themselves during the British defeat at Fontenoy. A French officer at the battle described them as "Highland Furies who rushed in on us with more violence than ever did the sea driven by tempest".

From then on the regiment, which was named the 42nd Regiment of Foot, took part in virtually every major campaign of the last two centuries.

From India, to America, West Indies, Egypt and Africa, men of the Black Watch consistently distinguished themselves in battle. Fourteen Victoria Crosses were won alongside 151 battle honours.

For its gallantry in capturing the colours of Napoleon's "Invincible" legion at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801, the 42nd won the honour of bearing the Sphinx on its colours and badge.

Their motto is Nemo me impune lacessit - which translates as, "touch me not with impunity," or more commonly, "wha daur meddle wi' me".