My Pops was a Leatherneck, Can I wear a USMC Kilt?

[Stratherrick]

For the longest time I tried to track down a WW1 Machine Gun Corps cap badge as worn by my great uncle who died of his wounds just after the end of the war in a military hospital in Aberdeen. My greatest achievement, in family history terms, has been getting his name inscribed in the books of the fallen at the Scottish War Memorial chapel in Edinburgh Castle, 90 years after he died!

After much thought, though it would be a fitting tribute, I've decided against getting one as I feel I'd be stepping on the graves of those who fought and died wearing it.

Still, if you want to wear a badge or kilt in honour of a family member, I'd have no problem. I think it's just a personal decision.

Slainte

Bruce

[Bog Trotter]

To answer Swampthing, the answer is no. Although the Black Watch is the official tartan of the regiment, you do not have to be in the British army to wear the government sett tartan. Some out there might argue with me on this but, the BWT is also identified as a universal tartan. Many pipe banks wear the BWT, and others wear it because they have no clan tartan or connection. (Mileage may vary)

[macwilkin]

To answer Swampthing, the answer is no. Although the Black Watch is the official tartan of the regiment, you do not have to be in the British army to wear the government sett tartan. Some out there might argue with me on this but, the BWT is also identified as a universal tartan. Many pipe banks wear the BWT, and others wear it because they have no clan tartan or connection. (Mileage may vary)

Remember though, that the term "universal" in this instance refers to something else, namely the effort by the British Government to see all of the Scottish Regiments adopt a "universal" tartan. When Lowland Regiments were issued the Government Sett during the late 1800s, for example, many an old Lowland soldier referred to the tartan as the "MacChilders tartan", in reference to Secretary of State for War H.C.E. Childers, who authorised the issuing of tartan to said Lowlanders.

So whilst the tartan is a de facto universal tartan today, originally, the term referred to military-issue.

Source: http://www.scottishmilitaryarticles....le_tartans.htm
(from the old Scottish Military Historical Society, now defunct.)

Regards,

Tpdd

[dfmacliam]

In my opinon, if there is a connection, why not? If it's worn with respect. I wear it because I am a Marine...and I am very proud of that fact.. I also know there are those who cannot wear it anymore, and if a family member wears it to keep a Marines memory alive.. I am all for it. I am, and I would say every other Marine on this forum, more protective about the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.. Or the title of Marine.. Those items we earned.. the Leatherneck tartan is just a bonus..

[Sir William]

In my opinon, if there is a connection, why not? If it's worn with respect. I wear it because I am a Marine...and I am very proud of that fact.. I also know there are those who cannot wear it anymore, and if a family member wears it to keep a Marines memory alive.. I am all for it. I am, and I would say every other Marine on this forum, more protective about the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.. Or the title of Marine.. Those items we earned.. the Leatherneck tartan is just a bonus..

I'm very much with Peacekeeper83 and kilted in USMC on this issue. As long as you are wearing it to honor your father, but make no pretenses about being a Marine yourself -- and do not wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which must be earned before it can be worn -- I have no difficulties with your decision. Personally, I would be proud if my son did the same.

I'm an Air Force brat (and also served as an Air Force Civilian) and have considered getting an Air Force tartan tie because of that connection. I wasn't in the Air Force myself, but I spent over 20 years associated with the Air Force (and another 10 as an Army Civilian) -- thus I have no issue with your connection to the Marine Corps.

[kiltedinUSMC]

Being A Marine I have no problem with you honoring your father's service with wearing the leatherneck tartan. My only beef is with people who take honors that they did not earn. But if you explain that you are wearing it for your father, no one will have a problem with it. Heck Some Marines might buy you a round!

[Chas]

When making up your mind, I think that this will be of interest:

The information held within The Scottish Register of Tartans for the "Leatherneck" tartan is shown below.

STA ref: 3612
STWR ref: none
Designer: Hall & Macleod
Tartan date: Not Specified
Registration date: This tartan was recorded prior to the launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans.
Category: Military

Restrictions:

Registration notes: Designed by Bob Hall and R H Macleod for the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Foundation. Does not have the sanction of the Corps but is sometimes sold as the 'U.S. Marines.'

The last paragraph is, I think, the most important, also note - there are no restrictions.

Regards

Chas

[Geoff Withnell]

Being A Marine I have no problem with you honoring your father's service with wearing the leatherneck tartan. My only beef is with people who take honors that they did not earn. But if you explain that you are wearing it for your father, no one will have a problem with it. Heck Some Marines might buy you a round!

I agree with many others here. The Leatherneck tartan is not official. I appreciate your desire to honor your father and think wearing the Leatherneck tartan with respect is a great way to do that. Again, the title "Marine" and the Eagle Globe and Anchor is earned, and sacred to us. But please, honor your father's service. I am proud I was able to help continue the tradition he and others handed down to me and my comrades.

Geoff Withnell

[castledangerous]

removed

[piperdown]

Guys,

I am a canuck but I do own a kilt in this tartan simply because I love the look. Sorry if this offends anyone, I mean no disrespect at all.
I do respect the service the military in any country provides its citizens!!!

Cheers