Black Watch in Iraq

[Archangel]

Found a couple of interesting stories, here's one of some being honoured for their roles in Iraq. (Story is here: http://scotlandtoday.scottishtv.co.u...7058&newsType=)




But I found this story fascinating. It concerns the leaflet the Black Watch use to identify themselves to the Iraqis. This leaflet identifies the troops as Scottish, not British, and the flag is the Saltire, not the Union Jack. (The story is here: http://ancapistan.typepad.com/unfairwitness/2004/11/. I suggest caution because the rest of the site has some graphic images and strong anti-war sentiment, which is good so split the difference in the propaganda.)

[chasem]

quite interesting. I'm reading the first article now, already read the second one.

Anyway, I paused in the reading because I got distracted... What are the green bows on the right side of the two taller gentlemen's kilts? I haven't seen that before...

[motorman4life]

2nd article is at the bottom of November 4th, 2004.
A year ago.

3 Black Watch troops killed; 8 wounded in suicide attack
Three Scottish Black Watch soldiers and a translator have been killed by a suicide bomber at a checkpoint while 8 others were wounded in the subsequent mortar attack. "Soldiers manning a vehicle checkpoint were targeted by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in a suicide attack, followed shortly afterwards by mortar fire," Junior Defense Minister Adam Ingram told a news conference in London.

The Scotland-based unit has been trying to lower tension by playing down its Britishness, handing out flyers which read "please allow me to introduce myself -- I am a Scottish soldier with the Black Watch Regiment."
The flyers have a Scottish flag, rather than a British flag.

[Iolaus]

quite interesting. I'm reading the first article now, already read the second one.

Anyway, I paused in the reading because I got distracted... What are the green bows on the right side of the two taller gentlemen's kilts? I haven't seen that before...

It looks like the tie-down panel that was mentioned in another thread recently. There was a good explanation and illustrations (or links to such, I'm not sure). So if someone knows which thread...?

[macwilkin]

It looks like the tie-down panel that was mentioned in another thread recently. There was a good explanation and illustrations (or links to such, I'm not sure). So if someone knows which thread...?

That would be the kilt panel worn by the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, as well as their allied regiment in Canada, the Calgary Highlanders:

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/kiltpanel.htm

As to the green silk bows or rosettes, these are indeed similar to the kilt panel. Nevill's "Scottish Regiments" says that they are an ornamental decoration worn by Officers and Senior NCO's of the RHR and were alternatives to kilt pins.

Cheers,

Todd

[chasem]

Very interesting. Thanks Todd!

[highlander_Daz]

The Black watch were anxious that the Iraqi people should realise they are Scots and are there to keep the peace and protect rather than occupy.
When the Black watch arrived in Iraq one officer got out of his tank, removed his body Armour and Helmet and piped the tanks over the bridge.

During the storming of Faluja the CO started the attack with the words "Forward the 42nd" and the tanks had loudspeakers fitted blaring out "Scotland the Brave" thus ensuring the perplexed Insurgants got the full "Black watch" Experience.

There was a story in the newspaper the other week about some muggers in Glasgow who attempeted to rob a group of men at Knifepoint, the group of men happened to be Black watch officers who quickly dealt with the muggers and continued with their night out.

[macwilkin]

I've moved this thread to the "Off Topic" section, since it has been "off-and-on" in discussing kilts worn by the RHR.

With the subject of Iraq, we need to be mindful that this could turn political very quickly -- but a discussion of the RHR itself is still germane. Well done to those who have posted so far.

The Argylls made a bayonet charge in Iraq -- here is the story from the Calgary Highlanders page:

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/argyllnews.htm

Cheers,

Todd

[Archangel]

I've moved this thread to the "Off Topic" section, since it has been "off-and-on" in discussing kilts worn by the RHR.

With the subject of Iraq, we need to be mindful that this could turn political very quickly -- but a discussion of the RHR itself is still germane. Well done to those who have posted so far.

The Argylls made a bayonet charge in Iraq -- here is the story from the Calgary Highlanders page:

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/argyllnews.htm

Cheers,

Todd

No problem with the move, didn't want it to get political that's why story is linked not page and a disclaimer for those exploring the site.
My judgement says discussions about Highland troops is fair for kilt stuff but I'm not going to have a problem at all with the move, really.
Fascinating story on the Argylls, the Black Watch have a basically uncensored forum to read about their stuff.