Battles of the 42nd Regiment of Foot, the Black Watch.

[size=13pt]Raised from the(Highland Watch) that made up the "police force" of the unruly and troublesome Highlands. Thewas created. A group intended to become a fully-fledged Regiment of the British army. However, this Regiment was made up of the gentlemen of the Highlands - chief’s sons and other relatives - who were used to somewhat cushy lives, even as Highland Watch men who's hardest task was to be simply be seen.These gentlemen soon realised, though, that there officers and drill-masters were to make real soldiers out of them. They too were told they may be being shipped to the West Indies. Mutiny ensued. This mutiny was soon put aside, whose core was made up of the Highland gentry themselves.The Regiment soon found themselves at the Battle of Fontenoy were they lost huge numbers of men but showed great prowess in battle. During these events, though, the Jacobite Rising occurred and the 43rd Regiment of Foot was shipped to Ireland were they were renumbered theDuring the, thefought from Egypt to Spain and through to Waterloo. In Egypt the 42nd captured an, in Spain the 1st Battalion's stalwart defence saved the lives of other Regiment's and that of the military theorist and Scottish general John Moore. In France the 42nd gained huge fame and love from Wellington himself at the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo.During its life and to this day, the 42nd has carried - with pride - the epithet "" [Pro;-kitenoo] "". This name comes from the Regiment's Independent Companies (Highland Watch) for bares. The etymology and history of this nickname may not have come from its dark tartan - considering that the scarlet jacket they wore was bright. But, comes from "black", or "dubh" being a character description and that in Highland culture "black" also means "dour".Thehas had a long tradition of loyalty to the Church. It's first Chaplain, Dr Adam Ferguson, accompanied it in every battle and led it in worship, daily, both in peace and war.The Regiment was first in action at the Battle of Fontenoy, soon after it's raising. Although this being an Allied and British defeat, the Black Watch gained huge credit and distinction with a French officer saying the Regiment were;."At this Battle, the Regimental Chaplain, Adam Ferguson reportedly joined the ranks of his comrades, broadsword in hand saying;!"The Regiment suffered huge casualties, both in its famous Highland charges and when it was detailed to "cover" the retreating British army.Next the Regiment was engaged in the French-Indian War. During the attack on Ticonderoga Fort more than half the Regiment the lost more than half of its men. With its reputation it acquired in this battle, it recruited a second Battalion, which in turn gained such prestige that it becomes a separate Regiment - the 73rd.