The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment

The Black Watch

In the year 1739, the six independant companies of the "Highland Watch", along with four newly-raised companies, were incorporated into a Regiment of Foot under John, the Earl of Crawford. This Regiment was originally numbered the 43rd Highland Regiment, but was renumbered as the 42nd in 1749.

The new Regiment continued to serve as the Highland Watch, in Scotland, but the British command sent the regiment as reinforcements in Flanders and Germany, in the war of the Austrian Succession. This resulted in a mutiny in 1743, but ended without bloodshed. (Save the executions of those responsible!) The regiment received its baptism of fire in the Battle of Fontenoy, 1745, and returned in 1745 during the Jacobite Rebellion, where they were stationed in the south, in anticipation of a French invasion. In 1747, they were garrisoned in Ireland, where they remained for 9 years.

The 42nd was sent to New York in 1756, and fought in the first battle of Fort Ticonderoga in 1758, losing over half its troops in a valiant assault on the breastworks. Prior the the action at Ticonderoga, the Black Watch was given the distinction of being a "Royal" regiment, changing the uniform's facings from buff to royal blue, and earning the right to bear a distinctive seal on the colours and drums. The regiment was known from then on as The 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment or Royal Highlanders. The Regiment took part in actions throughout North America, as far west as Forts De Chartres, on the Mississippi River in Illinois.

The 42nd later served in the American Revolution, and in India, and is still active today, the most senior of all the Highland regiments. The Regiment still has ties in North America, through the Black Watch of Canada in Montreal.

For a more complete history, a timeline of the Regiment's history in North America.

The 42nd performs a reportoire of music that is authentic to the Black Watch that we re-enact, from Wha' hae the Forty-twa, played upon entering the field, to the notes ofJohnnie Scobie (We're na awa' ti bide awa'), that can be heard at the end of every performance. Several favorites from more recent periods can also be heard in our shows,including the ever-famous Scotland the Brave.

In addition to the pipe band, the 42nd also serves as the Lafayette area's only Scottish society, sponsoring Tartan Balls, Scottish Country Dancing, and the annual Robert Burns dinner.

• January 26, Robert Burns Dinner, Lafayette, IN
• February 23 : Freezer Jam, Lafayette, IN
• March 17: St. Patrick's Day, Local Pubs
• May 17-18: Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, St Charles, MO
• June 7-8: Fort De Chartres, Prairie du Rocher, IL
• June 21: River Raisin Muster, Monroe, MI
• Sept 20-21: Trail of Courage, Rochester, IN
• Sept 27-28: Feast of the Hunter's Moon, Lafayette, IN
• Oct 18-19: Fort Massac Encampment, Metropolis, IL