During the three decades that followed the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854, The Black Watch fought four campaigns. From the snows of the Crimea to the banks of the Nile, and from the fever ridden jungles of Asante to the plains of India, men of the regiment fought and died. But this was also a time when cholera decimated the regiment in seven days, when wives followed husbands to the Crimea, when VCs were won in acts of outstanding gallantry and Captain Lawson's men earned their place in Black Watch history. This was a time too, when ordinary soldiers spoke for themselves in letters from the Crimea and in newspaper interviews with returning Asante veterans, when Cardwell's famous reforms began to take effect.
Edited by Fraser Brown and with an introduction by Lieutenant-General Sir Alistair Irwin with contributions from other members of the extended regimental family this volume explores some of the lesser known, but important aspects of the history of the regiment. |
