Red hackle history

[Highland Logan]

You American's never really did get the Regimental System did you

This link might help.

Frank

[Nervous Jock]

This link might help.

Frank

An interesting site, there were 2 comments in partucular that I found interesting


" units such as the 4/5th Battalion could be found. It was a somewhat confusing system, and one I do not claim to understand fully I have to admit."

also had to do with units being amalgamated after getting a good thrashing.

"
It also became common for units to be referred to as, for example, 2nd East Surrey Regiment, rather than 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, which could give the impression there was more than one East Surrey Regiment. "

This makes me think its not a UK site, whatever would give you that impression??

[Sionnachdubh]

I suppose this little lot about the feathers representing blood is possible ,and as to smelling like one's dead comrade, most of the time I am sure the larger portion of our ancestors smelled far worse. We Scots as a people seem to put alot of importance into what you wear on the side of your bonnet so I would say that is a distinct possibility.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Not to mention what that would do to the feathers! Can't imagine it.

Also, dried blood turns black quite quickly, so even if it were true (about dipping it in blood) they wouldn't stay red for very long.