I have just been reminded by our newest recruit that January 5th is Red Hackle Day... a Regimental holiday of the Black Watch. The Red Hackle dates back at least until the early 19th century, and there are references of them being worn during the American Revolution. The accepted story is that the Red Hackle was earned during a skirmish at Geldermalsen, Holland, where the 42nd retook some field guns abandoned by the 16th Light Dragoons. They attacked the French lines, harnessed themselves to the guns, and pulled them back to the British lines. All this was supposed to have happened in the 1790's. This story is the "common knowledge" story, but not the right one, as Stewart of Garth never mentions the battle in his 1822 book about the history of the Black Watch.

The "probably right" story occurs just after the Battle of White Plains, when the Royal Highland Regiment and Fraser's Regiment started wearing red feathers in their bonnets to distinguish themselves. One story says that the Rebels were badly mauled at White Plains, and vowed revenge on the Highlanders. The Highlanders are supposed to have sent word back to the Rebels, saying in effect, "Bring it on, and just so you know it's us, we are going to wear red feathers in our bonnets." They of course would have said it a bit differently, but you get the idea.

Whatever the story, in 1795 a special parade was held in Royston for the King's Birthday where after three volleys to the King, a box was produced and Red Hackles were handed out to the men as a mark of gallantry. In 1822 the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment was given exclusive right to wear the Red Hackle. The date for Red Hackle Day, January 5th, is set as the date of the Battle at Geldermalsen.

To this day, the date is treated as a special day in the Regiment (duty conditions permitting) by a round of morning Gunfire for the men in barracks, the Fat Boys Breakfast, and a day of games which send many officers and men alike to the MO.