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Post by northbank66 on Jul 18, 2018 20:21:38 GMT
A friend has asked me to paint some Grenadiers from the 42nd Black Watch at the time of Bushy Run, 1763. He mentioned that the grenadiers, unlike the other companies had a red stripe through the sett of their tartan, can anyone verify or give a source for this. I have searched the web extensively but can find no images or text that hints that the Grenadiers had a special tartan. Also does anyone know when the metal plate on the front of the Grenadiers bearskin changed from red to black, and would the red back of the cap have had a grenade for decoration?
Thanks to all in advance
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Post by Graeme on Jul 19, 2018 1:45:27 GMT
C.E. Franklin says The Black Watch used a red stripe to distinguish grenadiers in the 18th century although there are some suggestions that the whole regiment had a red over stripe until 1812. The red stripe replaced the single black line on the green turns. Don't have much on this period but if I find anything about the bearskin caps I'll let you know.
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Post by jock52 on Jul 19, 2018 8:32:34 GMT
Have a read at this: www.tartansauthority.com/resources/archives/the-archives/newsome/black-watch-tartan/Authoritative but unsure if it makes things any clearer; my own opinion is that not having a stripe is 'safer' as there is little hard evidence that such a thing was used. For logistical reasons only it seems unlikely that a company's worth of kilts plus spares would be separately ordered at the additional cost involved. I've asked the Black Watch regimental museum the question. I'll get back if they do.
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Post by northbank66 on Jul 19, 2018 12:35:08 GMT
Thanks Graeme and Jock52. It's amazing what you think you know until it comes to the nitty gritty details. Appreciate the help.
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Post by jock52 on Aug 2, 2018 17:51:37 GMT
This is the reply from the regimental museum. Dear Mr Wylie, I understand that you are interested in the origin and disappearance of the red stripe in the kilts worn by the 42nd or Black Watch. In essence we believe this derives directly from the Lord John Murray of Athole/Atholl who became Colonel of the Regiment in 1745 who then gave or permitted the soldiers to wear his own tartan which to this day has a distinctive red stripe. This was most commonly used at that time for the Philibeg which over the next few years completely replaced the use of the Philimor. The abolition of the wearing of all apparel sporting the red stripe can be dated to 1789 when that and the drummers’ tartan were deleted from use; typically it lingered on for over twenty years after that; one presumes until the original garments wore out! As ever nothing in respect of easily altered and amended clothing is set in stone but this is as accurate an account as I can render. If this has helped may I also take this opportunity to ask that because we are a charity and have limited resources to dedicate to research we would really appreciate it if you could use the following link to make the suggested donation of £10. www.blackwatchshop.co.uk/research/ If it suits you better please do feel free to telephone our shop (01738 638152 Ext 201) to make a donation. Sincere regards, Richard Richard Hunter Archivist
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Post by Graeme on Aug 9, 2018 12:53:35 GMT
Thanks for your efforts Jock, much appreciated. It wasn't my question but nevertheless the answer was of some interest to me so I might spend a bit of money in the Black Watch shop in lieu of a donation. Seems the pound's taking a nose dive due to the latest Brexit news though so I might wait a few days and see what kind of value I can get for my Dollar.
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