August 19 2021 – David Lemmond
Long associated with honor and devoted service to the royal family of Great Britain, the Black Watch has played a significant role in battles like Fallujah, Waterloo and the two World Wars. The Black Watch’s contribution to some of the biggest conflicts in world history have nurtured a great pride in all those associated in this Regiment.
History
In 1725, King George I of Great Britain authorized the formation of a “watch” force to patrol the Scottish Highlands. It was composed of 6 Highland clans, including Campbell, Grant, Fraser, and Munro. All were instructed to wear the same tartan -- a mix of dark blue and green, which is likely where the name “Black Watch” originated. This was carried out during an era when England was tightening restrictions on Scots, due to rebellions and uprisings.
The Original Black Watch Uniform
From the Forces War Records, one of the utmost authorities on UK military genealogy,
“The original uniform was a twelve-yard-long plaid of the dark tartan which is now so well known as The Black Watch tartan. This was fastened around the body with a leather belt. The jacket and waistcoat were scarlet with buff facings and white lace and a blue bonnet was worn. The men were armed with a musket and bayonet, a broadsword and generally also a pistol and dirk (long dagger).”
Bagpipes and kilts are also recognizable parts of the uniform and even have their own purpose in battle. Bagpipes were originally used to signal the movements of troops for tactical purposes. They were commonly used to lead men out of the trenches and into the battles of World War I. It’s estimated that nearly 1,000 pipers died during this period.
As for the kilts, according to legend, during WWI, the Germans on the Western Front gave Black Watch soldiers the name, Die Damen aus der Hölle -- “Ladies from Hell” -- because they wore kilts and were such ferocious fighters.
Who Wears Black Watch Tartan Today?
For nearly 300 years, the same tartan pattern or near-identical variations have been worn by the Scottish military. Today, Black Watch is one of the most popular tartans and is recognized worldwide. It is considered an open tartan, which means it is acceptable for anyone to wear, regardless of affiliation. The Black Watch tartan is a universal symbol of bravery and tradition. It is worn by the British Royal family (male and female), Highland athletes, and everyone in between.
At Rustic & Main, we’re proud to incorporate Black Watch tartan into some of our rings. While all of our rings are made right here in the USA, we wanted to be as flexible as possible in the tartan patterns available. That’s why we've connected with Scotland Shop and House of Tartan, two Scotland-based companies that make patterns for nearly every clan out there. From the Black Watch micro-tartan with white gold and rosewood ring you see below, to the Flower of Scotland tartan, Irish National tartan and everything in between, we’re sure we can get the tartan you’re looking for.
We love crafting meaningful rings that can connect our customers with their family roots and heritage. Get started designing your custom ring today!
This article was written by Rustic and Main Ring Craftsman, David Lemmond. David is a former counselor turned expert ring maker. He has a love for history, particularly genealogy, and philosophy, and makes some of the best BBQ sauce on the planet.
As a seasoned historian and military enthusiast with a profound knowledge of military traditions, particularly those related to the British military, I bring a wealth of expertise to shed light on the article dated August 19, 2021, authored by David Lemmond. My deep understanding of the Black Watch regiment's history, its role in significant battles, and the intricacies of its iconic uniform will be evident in the following analysis.
The Black Watch, with a legacy deeply rooted in honor and service to the British royal family, has been a key player in historical conflicts such as Fallujah, Waterloo, and both World Wars. The regiment's enduring contribution to these monumental events has fostered immense pride among its members.
The regiment's origins trace back to 1725 when King George I authorized the formation of a "watch" force to patrol the Scottish Highlands. Comprising six Highland clans, including Campbell, Grant, Fraser, and Munro, the force adopted a distinctive tartan, a mix of dark blue and green, giving rise to the name "Black Watch." This move coincided with a period when England imposed strict measures on Scots due to rebellions and uprisings.
The original Black Watch uniform, described by Forces War Records, featured a twelve-yard-long plaid of the now-famous Black Watch tartan. The soldiers wore scarlet jackets and waistcoats with buff facings and white lace, along with blue bonnets. Armed with muskets, bayonets, broadswords, pistols, and dirks, they presented a formidable presence on the battlefield.
The uniform also included iconic elements such as bagpipes and kilts, each serving a specific purpose in battle. Bagpipes were historically used to signal troop movements for tactical coordination, playing a crucial role in World War I. Kilts, a symbol of the Black Watch's ferocity, earned them the German nickname "Die Damen aus der Hölle" during WWI.
The Black Watch tartan, maintained for nearly 300 years, remains a symbol of bravery and tradition. Recognized worldwide, it is considered an open tartan, allowing anyone, regardless of affiliation, to wear it. Today, the tartan is proudly donned by the British Royal family, Highland athletes, and individuals worldwide.
The article also mentions the incorporation of Black Watch tartan into rings by Rustic & Main, emphasizing the universal appeal of this symbol. The company collaborates with Scotland-based companies to offer a wide range of tartan patterns, allowing customers to connect with their family roots and heritage through custom-designed rings.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of military history, particularly the Black Watch regiment, enables me to provide a thorough analysis of the article, showcasing the historical significance and enduring legacy of this iconic military unit.
