black watch

[stevie619]

whats so special about the black watch then? its not as if there special forces or an elite regiment?

[Philtaz]

What you fail to understand is that the Black Watch(and many other infantry regiments) are the backbone of the British Army.

Hundreds of years of history, endeavour, sacrifice, heroism and regimental tradition are being wiped away with the stroke of a pen in Whitehall.

Infantry regiments usually recruit from one particular area or region, hence the feeling of togetherness, family and belonging in an infantry regiment.

In an ever uncertain world, where conflicts and crises arise almost daily the British Army is going to be severely overstretched and such cuts will only be to the detriment, not benefit of the British Army.

[stevie619]

thats good, but it didnt answer my question whats so special about them?

[tartanwiz]

Because they are a Scottish regiment.  England declared war on Iraq along with Uncle Sam.  Scotland didn't, in fact the majority of people in Scotland were always opposed to the war.  Well, that's what we in Scotland get for being part of the UK I suppose.

[Philtaz]

stevie619,

No, they are not special forces and no better or worse than any other infantry regiment in the British Army.  They just happen to have had their public profile and current plight highlighted due to their recent rather high profile deployment.

Given that deployment they no doubt feel a deep sense of mistrust and betrayal at the actions of Whitehall, given the superb job they did in extreme circumstances.

[Kerplunk]

I bet you like to be called British when it counts though, tartanwiz.

[ianess]

tartanwiz........that`s the big problem, isn`t it?

We`re all so intent on being English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish [Northern], or anything in between that it`s forgotten that we are all British and still want to preserve our own little clanish attitudes and traditions.

Maybe the powers that be should consider scrapping names and just giving regiments numbers as part of the British Army.

[tartanwiz]

Dear Kerplunk and ianness, I see myself as Scottish not British.  I support Scottish independence.  That way Scotland won't be dragged into other people's wars.

[Quizmonster]

In the British Army, a regiment generally consists of two or more battalions. At present the Black Watch has only one battalion and even that is nearly 10% under strength. It would be moreso were it not for volunteers from Commonwealth countries who have joined. One of those was Private Pita Tukatukawaqa from Fiji who was killed during their recent deployment in Iraq. Accordingly, in truth, it can scarcely be claimed to be even half a regiment

It is perfectly plain, therefore, that - despite the armchair generals' and proud old veterans' claims of profound local involvement - the young men of Perth and Fife today are avoiding serving with the Black Watch like the plague!

Don't misunderstand me...I myself am a proud Jock and ex military officer...so seeing regiments amalgamated saddens me, too. As an Aberdonian by birth, I was brought up to admire the Gordon Highlanders, the local regiment. Where are they now? I'll tell you...they're part of 'The Highlanders' along with the Queen's Own, the Seaforth and the Cameron Highlanders. This was an arrangement made by the Tory government's 'Whitehall' in 1994. So all their yammering about the inviolability of great Scottish regiments is just so much arrant hypocrisy now.

The ultimate truth is that the demands on our military services have changed out of all recognition and so they, too, must adapt. End of story.

[FP]

If that's the case tartanwitz, I should see myself as a Norfolk Person and perhaps we should detach from Britain as well when it suits us.   Times change, we have to move on.  In my opinion all British people should be treated as one.  Let's not go backwards.

[TOSHA]

Sorry, you ever been in the army...... if you had then you might not be asking the question,,,,,,,,

that also goes for anyone else who have never been there.... you just will never understand... sorry buds     ex soldier