Red Hackle

[rtc872]

I was given a red hackle and the old Blackwatch badge by my great uncle when he found out I was playing the pipes. I was just wondering if I were to put them on my bonnet is that a bad thing or not.

Thanks

[Cygnus]

I probably wouldn't, as doing so implies that you're a member of the military regiment in question.

However, if I remember correctly, the Black Watch doesn't wear the cap badge with the hackle - so I suppose those in the know would realize you weren't a member of the Black Watch, anyway. They might not take too kindly to you wearing a part of their uniform (and doing so "improperly" at that)!

In general, I find it better to err on the side of caution in situations like this.

[Chas]

This is taken from the current publication, "The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Scots) - Dress Regulations", Page 58 of 64.

Hackles
The hackle (or “Vulture’s feather” as it was termed) was originally an aid to identification in battle. Different coloured hackles were used to identify different companies: white hackle for right of the line, green for light infantry company, red and white for companies in the centre of the line. There were many Regimental variations. The red hackle worn by 3 SCOTS originates from an action of the 42nd at Geldermalsen on 5th January 1795. Later that year, on the King’s Birthday, there was a parade at Royston, Hertfordshire, when a Red Hackle was distributed to every man on parade. But it was not until 1822 that an order from the Adjutant-General confirmed that only the 42nd would have the privilege of wearing the Red Vulture feather in their bonnets. Red Hackle Day is still celebrated by 3 SCOTS. The blue hackle worn by 4 SCOTS originates from a visit to the 1st Camerons in France in December 1939 by King George VI when he gave permission to wear a royal blue hackle in their bonnets. The white hackle worn by 2 SCOTS originates from permission granted to the Royal Scots Fusiliers for their services in the South African War of 1899 – 1902. 1 SCOTS and 5 SCOTS were granted permission to wear the black hackle and green hackle on formation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The hackles identify the battalion in which an officer or soldier is serving or last served.

Note the capbadge and the hackle together.

Regards

Chas

[McClef]

I don't know if it would be suitable on a piper bonnet or not.

This past weekend we had a 1940's re-enactment weekend on my local steam railway and I did my best to play the part of a Black Watch soldier complete with Black Watch kilt and red hackle which I wore with my Glengarry.

The hackle was obtained from the Black Watch shop for £1.50 plus postage (which came to more than the cost of the hackle!) and there are no restrictions upon whom may buy one.

[Cygnus]

I knew I'd read this somewhere, and (after a search through my files) it turned out to be the Regimental Drum Majors Association Dress Manual that said it.

Regimental custom will dictate as to special headgear badges or no headgear badges
(e.g. Black Watch: no badge worn in conjunction with the red hackle.)

I can't say I know how accurate the source is, so I'll leave that to others.

[macwilkin]

Note the capbadge and the hackle together.

Point of Clarification: the badge depicted above is for the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Traditionally, the Black Watch Regiment did not wear a badge with the hackle -- here are just two examples:

http://www.scotsatwar.org.uk/photogallery/bagpipe.jpg

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.g...ll_webster.jpg

As noted above, the RHR is now 3 SCOTS, RRS.

T.

[davidlpope]

I don't wear military insignia from any military unit I did not serve in, and don't wear official uniform items with civilian clothing, unless they're allowed by regs (e.g. the all-weather coat, black leather gloves, etc.). I'm sure others will have different opinions, but to me that seems to be the most reasonable and respectful. Perhaps you might even inquire with your great-uncle about whether it is customary for non-BW to wear the BW cap badge and red hackle?

Might I also suggest that you consider purchasing a small shadowbow where you can both proudly display these items related to your uncle's service and protect them from deterioration?

Best of luck!

Cordially,

David

[Inchessi]

I don't wear military insignia from any military unit I did not serve in, and don't wear official uniform items with civilian clothing, unless they're allowed by regs (e.g. the all-weather coat, black leather gloves, etc.). I'm sure others will have different opinions, but to me that seems to be the most reasonable and respectful. Perhaps you might even inquire with your great-uncle about whether it is customary for non-BW to wear the BW cap badge and red hackle?

Might I also suggest that you consider purchasing a small shadowbow where you can both proudly display these items related to your uncle's service and protect them from deterioration?

Best of luck!

Cordially,

David

Darn good advice! I could not agree more.

[BruceBC]

Here is what is said on the Black Watch (HRH) of Canada's website

"Out of respect for the Regiment, we ask that the wearing of the Red Hackle be limited to past and present members of the Regimental family"

[rtc872]

Unfortunately my Great-uncle died a couple years back without me ever having met him. I mean the tenacity of the man. If he could live to a hundred he could have waited until I got to Scotland to visit him. ;)

He and his brother both served in the blackwatch but his brother died in Italy. My Pop (Australian for grandfather) was fortunate enough to serve as a driver for a general in Scotland for most of the war.

I can add though that in the letter that came with the hackle and badge he wrote "wear then proud son"

Can I lastly add that one of the bands I played with wore the red hackle but with a clan badge. I wonder if bands have a dispensation.

Thank you all for your advice.