Beating Retreat: 9 Soldier Laddies

[OC Richard]

Thus is the title of this interesting illustration.



A friend just posted it on Facebook. Though I used to see it every day I'd forgot completely about it.

In the 1980s I worked at a Highland Outfitters and the shop had this print on the wall. It appears to have been done between 1961 and 1994.

What's intriguing about it is that, though the Drum Majors are clearly based on those of various Scottish regiments, the illustrator has put all the Drum Majors in kilts.

I can't identify all of the intended regiments. Here's what I have:

Left to right:

1) Royal Highland Fusiliers. Should be in MacKenzie trews.

2) KOSB. Should be a diced Kilmarnock bonnet and Leslie trews.

3) A&SH.

4) Gordon Highlanders.

5) Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Should be in ordinary Guards uniform.

6) QOH.

7) Tyneside Scottish (?)

8) 48th Highlanders of Canada (?)

9) Black Watch.

[Troglodyte]

I think the artist was using his full quota of creative licence with this picture...

But it's a nice bit of fun, just the same.

I think you are probably right with your identifications, and the remaining two look like Seaforths and Scots Guards.

The picture seems to be more about sympathetic understanding for the foot-sore men after a stint, rather than precise accuracy, and we all know the feelings the poor men seem to be showing. I like to think 'Get your feet up, lads, we've got a brew on...' is what they're waiting to hear, along with 'excused further duties' for the rest of the day.

[OC Richard]

I think I've figured out the other two.

On close examination the tartan of DM #7 almost certainly that of the Tyneside Scottish.

The cap-badge makes sense too.



DM #8 is probably the 48th Highlanders (Canada) the pipers of which wear Stewart of Fingask tartan.

Once again the artist has put the DM into the tartan worn by the pipers.