Tartan of the original 78th (Fraser's Highlanders)

[Nathan]

To clarify, Cousin Allen, I meant that it may have been changed in Canada to the "French & Indian War" since I studied it as the "Seven Years' War."

We don't even use the word "Indian" in Canada except in grandparented legal documents. Here they're "natives," "aboriginals," or my own favourite, "first nations people."

I also learned about the "Seven Years War" and never heard of the "French & Indian War". I'm not familiar, however, with the "Severn Years War" as referred to in Peter's introductory paragraph, but perhaps it has something to do with this guy?

[TheOfficialBren]

I might be mistaken but if I recall correctly, the "French and Indian War" was the North American theatre of a greater global conflict between Britain and France called the "Seven Years War," but, again, I may be mixing this up a bit.

The term "Indian" has gone out of vogue here, too. We usually say "Native American" here but I prefer the Canadian term "First Nations Peoples." It's very eloquent and noble.

"Aboriginal" is certainly appropriate to describe these great peoples but during my time being educated in California this term is overwhelmingly applied to the native peoples of Australia.


Sidenote: During this period George Washington, our first president, served in the Virginia militia, was a bona fide "Redcoat," and held his first command (and fought his first battles on in the thick of the action). He earned a reputation for bravery (if a little eager to get into the fray) and took a few hard knocks that proved to be instrumental in shaping his character and leadership skills.

Sorry for the derail. I gush a bit over Washington. He's a personal hero.

[kiltimabar]

The "Seven Years War" name came about as a European name for the conflict, as war was declared in 1756 and concluded in 1763. In the American colonies, it actually began in 1754 as a result of a bungled expedition led by George Washington in western Pennsylvania.

[TheOfficialBren]

The "Seven Years War" name came about as a European name for the conflict, as war was declared in 1756 and concluded in 1763. In the American colonies, it actually began in 1754 as a result of a bungled expedition led by George Washington in western Pennsylvania.

Bingo! Thank you for the corrections. Must brush up on my Pre-Revolutionary War history. Yes, I recall the incident. He did bugle that one up...big time.

[MacGumerait]

Well , it didn't necessarily begin in the colonies because of George Washington's actions ( although I do understand that viewpoint ) . The powder keg was already there and the blow up was going to happen regardless of who lit the fuse . It began in the colonies due to the European power struggle to control the North American land mass and it's resources .

[Sir William]

It's been a while since I had time for some research. Just finished a paper discussing the tartan of original 78th of Foot - Fraser's Highlanders.

Excellent paper, Peter.

I used to portray the 78th when I live in California back in the early 80s. They were affiliated with the Montreal organization (you could even buy a commission!) and wore the same "red" tartan.

[Stoneyburnpiper]

Great article!