·
26 -
The French were so grateful for the stalwart assistance given to them in the Champagne region in 1918 that they honoured the regiment by erecting a cairn on the spot where The Black Watch soldier who had advanced the furthest had fallen, inscribed "Here shall flourish forever the glorious thistle of Scotland among the roses of France".
The Black Watch lived up to their motto "nemo me impune lacessit”, translated as "nobody provokes me without being hurt", during World War II where they were the first Regiment to cross the Rhine and saw service in every major theatre of war, except Norway and Malaya. Since the end of the war they have seen operational service in Korea, Kenya and Cyprus and have conducted 11 tours of Northern Ireland.
Their duties during the final months of British rule in Hong Kong will be similar to those undertaken during their tour of the Territory in 1993-94. Assisting with anti-smuggling operations in conjunction with the Royal Hong Kong Police border observation duties and the guarding of key installations, will make up the daily tasks for 1 Black Watch. However their most high profile role will be as ceremonial troops during the handover ceremonies in June.
In July 1996, the Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Alistair Louden, returned home to Scotland to be stationed in Fort George, Inverness, after an absence from the Highlands for over 50 years.
End
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.