Clan Gordon Highlanders
Pipe Band

The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foot

     The Gordons are proud to have as their Quartermaster Mr. Robert Small, seen below as an officer of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foot. Bob is also a member of our color guard. As one of his many interests, Bob participates in many Revolutionary era re-enactments. He was given the special privilege of participating in the filming of the movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson. He played the part of a British officer which, as you can see, he does so well. He's a great historian and you can see him at most parades and the Long Island Scottish Games at Westbury Gardens in August. In the photo below, Bob points out what parts of his uniform are different from our present Gordon uniform (labeled on our Parade Dress page) and also gives you a brief introduction on the regiment itself and then of his re-created regiment.

Neckard--This was a piece of leather wrapped around the neck to prevent throat injuries. The marines had something similar leading to their nickname of 'leathernecks.
Gorget--Bob describes this as the remnant of body armor. Overtime, it gradually reduced in size until it became a symbol that, when worn, implied that the officer was on duty.
Claymore--a type of broadsword used in battle.

History
     The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, later known as The Black Watch, was formed in the highlands of Scotland from several independent companies in 1737. After serving with distinction in the Battle of Fontenoy, the regiment was officially designated as the 42nd Regiment. During The French and Indian War, the unit fought in North America against the French. It was in 1758 during a massive assault against the breastwork's at Fort Ticonderoga, that the 42nd gallantly attempted to breach the defenses and suffered a loss of two thirds of it's contingent. They retired reluctantly only by direct orders. Later, the delayed news was received that the title of "Royal" was conferred upon them.
     The 42nd returned to New York and in 1776 participated in the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Harlem Heights and the capture of Fort Washington. In Howe's 1777 campaign, they fought in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. After the occupation of Philadelphia in 1778, the regiment engaged in combat again in the Battle of Monmouth. Under the command of General Clinton, the Regiment commenced foraging activities in New York and New Jersey. In 1780, they were in the siege of Charleston. Following this, they returned to their New York encampment where the Regiment remained until its departure for Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1783.

Today
     The re-created Regiment, under the command of Iain Burns, with Conrad Bender as corporal, represents the soldiers as they appeared in 1777. Each member purchases his own uniform at his own expense. The uniforms are authentic including accoutrements, muskets, reproduced based upon research and historic documentation. The uniform (seen on Bob Small above) includes diced bonnets, short red coats with blue facings which designate a Royal unit. Of interest is the belted plaid worn by each soldier, also known as a 'breacan an fheilidh". The tartan pattern is Black Watch, pleated militarily or "to the sett", consisting of 6 yards of wool material and folded in the manner originated in the 17th century. The unit is a member of the Brigade of the American Revolution which is a national historical association dedicated to the preservation and re-creation of the life of the common soldier during the War for Independence, 1775-1783. To read and learn more about the 42nd, check out their website by clicking here, 42ndregiment.org.

Clan Gordon Highlanders Pipe Band

Clan Gordon Highlanders
Pipe Band