Highland Regiments trivia thread.

[figheadair]

Shaun Maxwell.

Correct, Rorke's Drift . Has been covered as a film ( first feature role for Michael Caine ) and a number of books, as well. The sound track for ZULU was one of the best musical scores of that era. Stirring stuff.

So, what was the Unit that was involved there ? They were the Die Hards, by the way.

A new one.......What British Army brigade is made up of non British Mercenaries, even today, in 2015 ? They have pipe bands, too. They sign a 21 year contract of service. One of their members recently won the V.C.

Jim B.

The VC question is not quite that simple. Yes, eleven were won of which; seven bythe 2nd Battalion, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, one by the doctor (Army Medical Department), one by a Royal Engineer, one recipient was a member of the Commissariat and Transport Department and one was awarded to a member of the Natal Native Contingent.

Brigade of Gurkhas

Double VC winners; now there's an interesting story. Two of the three double VC winners were from amongst the 27 VCs awarded to medics.

[jimintoronto]

Well done, that man....

11 V.C.'s.... Not all were 2/24th foot, to be sure.

Gurkhas, correct , again. The only one of the "hill tribes " that the British Army could not pacify, so they hired them as mercenaries, instead. Not normally posted in the UK, but they have mounted guard at Buckingham Place on a number of occasions, in the past.

Now about Pioneers, and their "marks of distinction " ?

And a slightly different one.........Why don't Royal Artillery units have colours ?

Jim B.

[Tarheel]

The 11 Victoria Crosses were won at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, during the Anglo-Zulu War (also known as the Zulu War), fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom.

To add to Shaun's post, here is a great exert from another thread, "Men of Harlech" where a recreation of before the battle occurred. Movies and the internet have everything (if you believe in such myths.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NuTaQsMNaE

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

Not sure I agree with the oldest Regt answer, I believe it to be The Royal Scots(1st Bn RRS) also known as Caesar's bodyguard. I believe the answer to the Mercenary question is the Gurkha.

[Macman]

Not sure I agree with the oldest Regt answer, I believe it to be The Royal Scots(1st Bn RRS) also known as Caesar's bodyguard. I believe the answer to the Mercenary question is the Gurkha.

The Royal Scots date back to 1633, but they are not continuously serving, as are the Coldstream Guards. I'm pretty sure that it was the Royal Scots who were known as "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard", but there are probably other regiments who've made the claim.