The Royal Highland Regiment, The Black Watch

The Black Watch traces its origins to the early eighteenth century, when independent companies of Highlanders were raised in 1725 to maintain law and order in the Highlands following the Jacobite uprisings. Drawn from loyal clans, these men were tasked with “watching” over the Highlands to prevent cattle raiding and unrest, earning the name “Am Freiceadan Dubh” — the Black Watch — from their dark tartan and vigilant duties. In 1739 the six companies were formed into a regiment of the line, officially designated the 43rd (later 42nd) Regiment of Foot (The Royal Highland Regiment). Distinguished by discipline, courage, and a strong Highland identity, the regiment soon gained renown in service across Europe and the expanding British Empire. The Black Watch became one of Britain’s most celebrated fighting units, symbolising both Scottish martial tradition and national service to the Crown.

This book is a record of all the names of Soldiers who received medals and honours during the following campaigns:

The Black Watch Campaign History, 1801–1911

1801 – Egyptian Campaign

• Context: British expedition against Napoleon’s forces in Egypt.

• Actions: The 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment took part in the landing at Aboukir Bay (March 1801) and the Battle of Alexandria (21 March 1801).

• Significance: The regiment earned the battle honour “Egypt” and the sphinx badge still worn on the uniform.

1808–1814 – The Peninsular War (Spain and Portugal)

• Battles: Corunna (1809), Bussaco (1810), Fuentes de Oñoro (1811), Ciudad Rodrigo (1812), Badajoz (1812), Salamanca (1812), Vitoria (1813), Pyrenees (1813), Nivelle (1813), Nive (1813–14), Orthez (1814), Toulouse (1814).

• Details: Serving under Wellington, the regiment distinguished itself repeatedly for discipline and bayonet work.

• Honours: Awarded “Peninsula” among numerous individual battle honours.

1815 – The Waterloo Campaign

• Actions: Engaged at Quatre Bras (16 June) and Waterloo (18 June).

• Details: The 42nd played a key role in resisting repeated French cavalry charges and maintaining the Allied line.

• Honours: Awarded “Waterloo.”

1854–1856 – The Crimean War

• Battles: Alma (20 September 1854), Balaklava (25 October), Sevastopol (1854–55).

• Details: Fought with the Highland Brigade under Sir Colin Campbell, earning fame for the assault at Alma.

• Honours: “Alma,” “Balaklava,” “Sevastopol,” “Crimea.”

1857–1859 – The Indian Mutiny

• Theatres: Central and Northern India, including Lucknow and Cawnpore.

• Details: The regiment took part in the relief and occupation of Lucknow.

• Honours: “Lucknow.”

1873–1874 – The Ashanti War (West Africa)

• Details: A detachment of the regiment served in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War, taking part in the advance on Kumasi.

• Honours: “Ashantee.”

1882 – The Anglo-Egyptian War

• Battles: Tel-el-Kebir (13 September 1882).

• Details: The Black Watch was part of General Wolseley’s army; its night assault on the Egyptian entrenchments at Tel-el-Kebir was decisive.

• Honours: “Egypt, 1882,” “Tel-el-Kebir.”

1884–1885 – The Sudan (Nile Expedition)

• Context: The relief of General Gordon at Khartoum during the Mahdist uprising.

• Actions: Kirbekan (10 February 1885).

• Details: The regiment fought up the Nile under Wolseley, enduring severe conditions but performing with great gallantry.

• Honours: “Nile, 1884–85,” “Kirbekan.”

1899–1902 – The Second Boer War (South Africa)

• Battles: Magersfontein, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Modder River, and numerous smaller engagements.

• Details: Both 1st and 2nd Battalions served; they took part in the advance to Bloemfontein and the guerrilla phase that followed.

• Honours: “South Africa, 1899–1902,” and individual battle names.

1902–1911 – Imperial and Garrison Service

• Stations: India, Malta, Gibraltar, and the British Isles.

• Details: The regiment undertook routine imperial duties, ceremonial service, and training for modern warfare.

1. Reorganisation: As part of the Childers Reforms (1881), the 42nd was officially titled The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), with its depot at Perth.

Overall in good condition with a relatively strong binding. There is a water mark on the back cover board (see image) and whilst this has affected the board the inside pages  are unaffected. There is some bruising and slight fraying to the top and bottom of the spine. Inside the pages are bright and clean throughout with normal age related  tanning. Images are in place with tissue guards.

 

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