Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
July 20th, 2008I had an interesting dream last night. I was at the distillery of Glenmorangie, and was talking to the head distiller. He wanted to know my true allegiance and asked that I swear allegiance to Scotland and to his service. I apparently did in the dream and as a gift of my oath I was given a drum that was carried by the first regiment of black watch. I cant remember much after that but It was a pleasant dream and now here is some info on the Famous Black Watch. And I have had a craving for a good singlemalt all day now.
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) from 1931 to 2006, and The Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch) from 1881 to 1931. Part of the Scottish Division, it was the senior regiment of Highlander. The regiment’s name came from the dark tartan that they wore and from its role to “watch” the Highlands. “Black Watch” was originally a nickname for the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, but was used more and more so that, in 1881, when the 42nd amalgamated with the 73rd Regiment of Foot, the new regiment was named “The Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch)”, with The Black Watch becoming the regiment’s official designation in 1931. The uniform changed over time, but the nickname has been more enduring. The regimental motto was “Nemo me impune lacessit” (no man provokes me with impunity). The Royal Stewart Tartan is worn by the battalion’s Pipes and Drums due the royal designation. Six independent companies were first formed in 1725 to stop fighting among the clans. One company came from clan Munro, one from Fraser ,and one from Grant, along with 3 companies of Campbell’s.
Unfortunately, for the regiment it was reorganized into the 3rd battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland,In 2006 and lowered to battalion strength. During its illustrious Career the black watch has gained numerous commendations and honors as a unit Including unitcommendations in the 21st century with the last at Al Basrah Iraq in 2003.
