How to fasten a hackle

**Laird O'the Cowcaddens** · 2nd April 09, 05:28 PM

As a former Fusilier, here is how I did it. Before Amalgamation we all had a tartan patch on the left side of our T.O.S. in the center of that we made a hole thru patch AND bunnet, push the hackle thru the hole and BEND upwards,then I always sewed the wire to hold it in place, otherwise it can tip sideways. So if I was you I would first sew the patch on and go from there. I hope that this helps you out.

**thescot** · 3rd April 09, 09:50 AM

Thanks, guys. YOu felllows are always a tremendous source of info. That's why I love this place.

Chas, I believe you're right. It does look a bit like a little pocket of sorts, and I would think that it should be stitched in place.

But I sure would like to hear from a BW vet to get the exact detail and method.

A bit of recent historical trivia: I understand that when the Blackwatch returned to Scotland after their most recent deployment, they chose to forego marching home in kilts so they could wear their tams with red hackles. (Their new amalgamated dress uniforms must be "uniform," so they don't get to wear hackles with the dress uniforms.)

The red hackle is very important to the BW!

**Nervous Jock** · 3rd April 09, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

.

Normally it would just be a case of cutting a small slit into the headband so the wire eye can slip into it and securing the hackle with a safety pin through the binding at the base of the feathers and inside of ToS. Makes it easy to take out and swap bunnets or when you're out in the field and its raining.

The picture Chas has put on looks more like a plume as the eye is far to big to be worn without a badge so not practical for BW

**macwilkin** · 3rd April 09, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

Thanks, guys. YOu felllows are always a tremendous source of info. That's why I love this place.

Chas, I believe you're right. It does look a bit like a little pocket of sorts, and I would think that it should be stitched in place.

But I sure would like to hear from a BW vet to get the exact detail and method.

A bit of recent historical trivia: I understand that when the Blackwatch returned to Scotland after their most recent deployment, they chose to forego marching home in kilts so they could wear their tams with red hackles. (Their new amalgamated dress uniforms must be "uniform," so they don't get to wear hackles with the dress uniforms.)

The red hackle is very important to the BW!

Jim -- you're making my eye twitch everytime you type "Blackwatch".

T.

**thescot** · 3rd April 09, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Jim -- you're making my eye twitch everytime you type "Blackwatch".

T.

I couldn't help myself. I was waiting to see how long it would take Todd to chime in.

I know better, but sometimes you just have to be bad.

Sorry. As you were. So mote it be.

**macwilkin** · 3rd April 09, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

I couldn't help myself. I was waiting to see how long it would take Todd to chime in.

I know better, but sometimes you just have to be bad.

Sorry. As you were. So mote it be.

Why, ya dirty twister!

T.

**thescot** · 4th April 09, 10:31 AM

BTW, thanks one and all, especially Newrvous Jock.

I have one more question: what sort of "weathering" did you do to your tam, if any. I know with all my bonnets, tams, and berets, I have always given them a good soaking in cold water, squeezed out the water, and shaped them on my head prior to setting aside to day.

Do/did the soldiers in the regiment do anything like that (to soften the sharp edges and such) or would they be more likely to wear it as issued?

Inquiring minds want to know.

**kiltedmapleleaf** · 6th April 09, 11:48 AM

As someone who was lucky enough to be attached to the "Watch" when we handed Hong Kong back I wore the hackle in my TOS. I have included some photos for you to see. AS you can see we didn't actually use anything to hold them in although I knew some of the guys sewed the hackle in so as not to loose it. This is an old style TOS, the newer ones are called battle bonnets and are shaped a bit more like a beret.
My TOS was made by the regimental tailer when we were stationed at Fort George in 1996.
AS I left the army on my return from Hong Kong in 1997 it was the last head dress i wore from my time in the army.

As a side note if any members go to the Black Watch PRI website you can purchase a wristband to show support for the boys as they are now back in Afghanistan.

Hope this helps, and for nervous jock, if you are where i think you are, keep low, move fast and bring them all home.