In 1725, six independent companies of Highland soldiers were raised by the English to act as military police there. These groups earned the name “The Black Watch” from their dark tartan plaids and their work suppressing crime and violence in the night hours. In 1739, King George II formed these units into the 43rd Regiment of Foot, later becoming the 42nd regiment.
In 1758, the unit was given the title of the "Royal Highland Regiment" in recognition of their bravery at Fort Ticonderoga during the French and Indian War (7 Years War).
The Royal Highland Regiment was sent to America in 1776 to help combat the American Insurrection. They fought at Long Island and during the recapture of New York City in 1776. In 1777, they were at the battle of Brandywine Creek, and saw action at the battle of Monmouth Courthouse in 1778. In addition, they were present during several smaller actions from New York to Georgia, extending as far as the Caribbean. The Black Watch remained stationed in New York City until 1782.
Although some sources suggest that the regiment switched out it's kilts for more suitable dress for the North American climate, these Perry figures wear the full highland barb. Whar's a General to do?
Break out the "tartan paint", of course!
I can't believe a find myself painting tartan once again! I used the same mwthod as for my Napoleonic Highlanders.
I cheated a bit by only doing the dicing on the upper part of the stockings. The sculpting on the figures didn't really permit depiction of the diced band at the base of the bonnets, not that I was complaining!
Reenactors from a Michigan outfit representing the 42nd during the American War of Independence.
Excellent addition Peter - it goes without saying that a British army without any Scots is not any kind of army at all! You will need to do the 78th next!
ReplyDeleteLOL, right you are, Keith! Actually, I chose to do the (fairly short lived) 71st (Frazier's) as my second Highland unit for the AWI. They will make their appearance here in due time.
DeleteGreat addition to your muster.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joe! Seems like I am painting way too much plaid in recent years!
DeleteFabulous looking unit, Peter. You've really nailed the tartan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Richard. The colors are a little bright, but without exaggerating the hues a bit it would all be a dark blue-green at any distance.
DeleteThe mini's look great!
DeleteWhen I turned my hand to 1758-60 Highlanders last year, I hauled out my Black Watch kilt from my 5 years in the BW Cadets in the 60's/70's, and from 10 feet away they just look "dark" (like the reenactors) . Obviously that WILL NOT do on a toy soldier! So, I darkened the green, a little bit.... I just need to paint the other 1/2!
Thanks, Ross. I used a fairly dark blue (pthalo blue), but not as dark as navy, then essentially did a grid with medium green, and dots of very bright green at the intersections. Wasn't too bad to do, actually!
DeleteGreat work and the tartan looks terrific Peter. That government tartan is difficult to do as it is quite a dark pattern with few highlights.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I did it I added thin black lines with a fine tipped micro pen. Way too much work for the effect at this scale!
DeleteThe tartan looks fabulous Peter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. I've already completed their sister unit, so perhaps I've painted my last tartan. I've thought that before, only do do some more, and I do have spare figures for a 4th Napoleonic Highland regiment, I think! :-)
DeleteBraw indeed
ReplyDeleteThankee, Gary!
Delete