Who are we?
Who are we?
The 7th Battalion, The Black Watch 1939-45 War Re-enactors is an association of amateur military historians whose purpose is to commemorate the sacrifices and accomplishments of the average Jock serving in the Highland Regiments during the turbulent years of World War II.
What is The Black Watch?
The regiment we have the honour to portray is The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), the oldest Highland regiment in the British army. The "real" Black Watch has been in existence for over 250 years, and during that time has taken part in almost every conflict in which the United Kingdom has been involved. During its existence, the Black Watch has been actively engaged twice in North America; two battalions were sent during the French and Indian Wars, and another during the American Revolution. The Regimental Pipes and Drums has also made several "peaceful" visits; the last of which was with the Band of the Scots Guards in early 1998.
The 7th Battalion of the Black Watch was a Territorial Battalion (much like a "reserve" unit in the American Army) raised in the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland. We choose to portray a Territorial Battalion of the "Auld Forty-twa" to honour the tradition of the citizen soldier.
What do we do?
The 7th BW participates in three main activities:
- We set up public displays showing the history of the Scottish Regiments.
- We collect and display objects and information associated with the 1939-45 war, including interviews with veterans of the Scottish Regiments.
- We take part as reenactors in historical re-creations and tactical exercises as soldiers of The Black Watch.
What is a Reenactor?
While it is impossible to fully experience the trials and triumphs of the 1939-45 War, there is an old adage which states that you never really know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. As reenactors, members of the 7th Battalion take these words quite literally; the uniforms and equipment we wear are either originals or accurate reproductions of the kit worn by Highland soldiers during World War II.
While there are many groups of "History Buffs" for various periods, the 7th Battalion is also a group of Living Historians; we take the facts gleaned from books, museums, and interviews with veterans and put them to practical use at Tacticals and re-created battles throughout the North-eastern United States.
The largest Tactical, or mock battle, of the year takes place in January in south-central Pennsylvania. In addition to over 1000 Allied and Axis infantry reenactors, there are numerous vehicles, including tanks, half-tracks, jeeps, and motorcycles. Intermingled with the 3 or 4 big events, there are several smaller events that can be just as challenging.
During the course of a day-long tactical, you can expect to walk, run, crawl and climb over several miles of fields and forest... all while trying to win the war and avoid being shot!
Being a reenactor does not stop at battle scenarios... portraying a Scottish soldier requires you to not only dress the part, but to act the part as well. Members of the group are taught to drill with an Enfield rifle, march to the sound of the Pipes, and mount guard as if they were protecting the gates of Edinburgh Castle.
If you have any questions regarding our unit, or World War II reenacting in general, please use the form below to contact the company clerk.
