I was travelling to Angus today for the Targe wargames show tomorrow in Kirriemuir. I haven't visited the Black Watch Museum in Balhousie Castle, Perth, for many years, so it was a good opportunity to visit another of our fine regimental museums.
The Black Watch, known formally as the Royal Highland Regiment. is one of the oldest in the British Army, founded in 1725. It initially served as a policing force tasked with maintaining peace in the Scottish Highlands and preventing unrest after the Jacobite risings. Known for their dark tartan, they earned the nickname 'The Black Watch'.
They have served in major global conflicts, from the War of the Austrian Succession to the World Wars and, more recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Black Watch is deeply rooted in Scottish heritage and has contributed significantly to British military history. Today, they are part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The museum exhibits are displayed chronologically, starting with the independent companies that formed the basis of the regiment.
There are several famous military paintings, including this one of the Battle of Fontenoy 1745.
Surviving colours are an important part of any regimental museum.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment served in Egypt, The Peninsular, and India.
Then the Crimea. This is a famous Gibb painting - Comrades, the Last Request, which also formed the basis for the stained glass, more colourful, although somewhat less realistic!
They served in all the primary WW1 campaigns, although sadly, there were no exhibits from the Salonika Campaign.
The same happened in WW2, including with The Chindits.
Field Marshall Wavell started his career with the Black Watch in 1901. He was not Churchill's favourite General, but he is one of mine.
The regiment has served in all the major post-war conflicts, including Korea and Cyprus.
Well worth a visit if you are near Perth. It has car parking, a decent shop and a tea room as well.
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