Canada's Highland Regiments

[BoldHighlander]

great pictures!

Thanks compadre!
I've looked long and hard for some great photos to share, and the hunt is not over with by a long shot

I just posted the rest of the Seaforth's 100th Ceilidh in it's own thread here.

On another note, I know that some of our Canadian rabble have served in a Highland/Scottish regiment where kilts were a part of the (dress) uniform.
If those members have any photos of themselves in uniform, while kilted, then please feel free to post said photo(s) here on this thread.
Thanks!

[BoldHighlander]

Okay, I corrected the original posting of the Essex & Kent Scottish earlier in this thread.

Below are some more photos from 2009:







The Essex & Kent Scottish being reviewed by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

[Andrew M. Stewart]

I don't have much in the way of information regarding this set of photos, so instead I'll post some info from their pipe band's website:

Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) is Vancouver Island's infantry unit. Its origin dates from 1912, when the 50th Regiment (unofficially the Gordon Highlanders of Canada) was created.

During the First World War, the 50th Gordons was one of four highland regiments that combined to form the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), Canadian Expeditionary Force. The other units included the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, the Cameron Highlanders of Canada and the 91st Regiment Canadian Highlanders. This particular battalion quickly became famous, winning numerous battle honours during the campaign.

In the First World War pipers regularly played the troops "over the top". The 16th Battalion featured four Victoria Cross winners, including Piper James Richardson, VC, the only Canadian piper to have ever received this, the highest Canadian military honour.

In 1920 the Canadian Scottish Regiment was formed with headquarters in Victoria. In 1927 an alliance was created with The Royal Scots. From that alliance the Canadian Scottish adopted Hunting Stewart as the regimental tartan, with uniform patterned after "the Dandy 9th", the Territorial Army Highland Battalion of The Royal Scots.

The 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums served with the regiment throughout the Second World War. Until 1949 that pipe band wore Lennox tartan, which was the band tartan of the old 16th Battalion in the First World War. Today one Lennox tartan ribbon is retained in the full dress uniform of Canadian Scottish pipers, with the Hunting Stewart kilt and plaid.

The 30 member Pipes and Drums are an authorized band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members comprise both serving personnel and civilian volunteers. They present the most visible element of the Regiment, performing in many of Victoria's major public events.

Over the last few years band members have performed outside of British Columbia in Hawaii, California, Washington State, New Orleans, Memphis, Calgary and Ottawa. The most recent international performance highlights were appearances at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Netherlands National Tattoo.

Official site of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)

Regimental Museum







Two of the most remarkable action shots I've ever seen from the Great War:

Absolutely terrific photos of the piper going over the top thanks! I have a relative that served with them in the first world war that didn't make it back. I'm a piper in The Toronto Scottish Regiment but being born and Raised on Vancouver Island and grew up mostly in Victoria I've always wished that I could have played in the Can Scots band. My first piping instructor, Steve Kelly sr was Pipe Major before P/M McGuire. Unfortunately I've ended up living in Toronto due to lifes unpredictabilty. I'll always call the island home though.

[Biathlonman]

What a great list! These highlanders are all reserve units now - essentially training soldiers who then frequently go to serve alongside regulars in Afghanistan or on UN missions. They bring unique skills and abilities - especially some of their officers and NCOs. Several have been killed or wounded. Though they did it in WW2, it is extremely unlikely any Canadian reserve unit would ever go into the field as a formed body, as US national guard units have done.

[Father Bill]

Perhaps the most impressive thread I've seen since joining XMarks! Thanks so much for all of your work fellows! I've sent one pic off to a friend who is a former Lorne Scot; he'll surely be interested.

[mkVsten]

Hi All,

Just thought I would post some photos of a North Nova Scotia Highlanders Kilt that I recently purchased. Tartan is Murray of Atholl. Not a very common tartan.

[Seaforth Piper]

They're all still serving (with the exception of the New Brunswick Scottish, which was amalgamated with 1st Batalion The Carleton and York Regiment to form 1st Battalion The Royal New Brunswick Regiment in 1954).

With a few exceptions they're all at one- or two-company strength.

They've survived, indeed 'flourished' because the Government doesn't pay for their highland dress - each regiment has to source and pay for its own kit - and because various political efforts to sweep them under the rug over the years has caused them to dig in their heels.

When the 3 services were amalgamated and the 2 regular battalions of the Black Watch were disbanded (which very nearly resulted in mutiny) the remaining Highland battalions were ordered to discard the highland dress. The colonels had the courage and integrity to refuse (or at least 'ignore') the order.

Now and then some politician will attempt to nudge them out of the photo (an attempt was made to leave the Seaforth Highlanders out of the State Funeral for Smokey Smith VC) but this invariably has the opposite effect; soldiers who were thinking about quitting would stay in the ranks, those who had retired would promptly re-enlist, the local media would run with it...but since the War started they've left off trying this sh*t.

Nothing fosters espirit de corps better than a threat...

[BoldHighlander]

Perhaps the most impressive thread I've seen since joining XMarks! Thanks so much for all of your work fellows! I've sent one pic off to a friend who is a former Lorne Scot; he'll surely be interested.

You are much too kind (...but thank you just the same for those kind words)!
:mrgreen:

[BoldHighlander]

Hi All,

Just thought I would post some photos of a North Nova Scotia Highlanders Kilt that I recently purchased. Tartan is Murray of Atholl. Not a very common tartan.

Wonderful!

...thank you for sharing those pictures, and thank you everyone else who has contributed to this thread!