THE BLACK WATCH of CANADA LIVING HISTORY ASSOCIATION
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42nd BATTALION IN THE GREAT WAR

Coming later the Fall of 2007:  More current photos of the 42nd Battalion, RHC.

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42nd Battalion at Canal du Nord

Merry Hell

Veterans of the 42nd

We are in the process of "kitting" out our members to portray the 42nd Battalion (Black Watch) RHC that was part of the CEF during WW I.  We are at present probationary members of the Great War Assocciation and we will be a part of the BEF at the Newville, Pennsylvania events. We will also be active with Living History programs through-out the Northeast. Below is our membership philosophy and requirements that should give you a solid idea about what the 42nd Battalion values

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Our pipers at Neuville

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work detail in the trenches

15 Platoon, "D" Coy. 42nd Canadian Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) is NOW RECRUITING

Membership Requirements

Membership is open to serious historians interested in the portrayal of the soldiers of the 42nd Canadian Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) during the Great War.

Members must meet the following personal and uniform standards:

- Be reasonably physically fit and able to undertake the physical ardor of trench warfare and an infantryman’s life.
- Maintain grooming standards of the period, i.e. short haircut, neatly trimmed mustaches, no beards, etc.
- Possess a willingness to continue to foster a spirit of comradery and pride of the company.
- Always act in a manner respectful to the memory of the men we portray, their comrades and foes.
- Must secure the basic uniform and kit of the impression with one year of joining the company.
- Must be willing to participate in work weekends at the event site and regional uniform workshops and drills.
- Maintain their membership dues within the company and the Great War Association.

Unit Philosophy.

The 42nd Canadian Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada - LHA) is dedicated to the memory of those men who originally served in the battalion and regiment during The Great War for Civilization. We take this very seriously. Through ongoing research, participation in living history events and our strong friendships with one another, we have formed a like-minded approach to the hobby of Living History. Safety is of the first importance followed closely by uniform and equipment authenticity and the activities of drill and tactical combat scenarios through living history events. We undertake tremendous amounts of research not only on the battalion, but also of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division and Canadian Corps during the war. The current membership is composed of people with outstanding initiative and we strive to do the best job we can while maintaining a healthy balance of authenticity, safety and the fun and satisfaction in the job we do.

Be Forewarned – What we are not about.

If you are currently a re-enactor you may understand the meaning of this, if not, this may be of interest. Unfortunately, across many time periods that are reenacted, while there are many fine examples of recreated Highland Regiments, there are also examples of a bad highland soldier stereotypes perpetuated. Poor kits, sloppy demeanor and discipline, and a tendency to insist on bad highland accents and mannerisms as perpetuated by popular culture are examples of this sort of impression. We recognize this is a strong statement, but it is our intention not to be associated with this stereotype without regard to time period. However we are not composed of authenticity snobs with an elitist attitude or exclusive type of agenda. We intend to set a good example and lead the way by doing so.

So, if you think you are interested in portraying or perpetuating bad highland stereotypes, cannot be bothered to work on and maintain your kit, or are otherwise not open to ongoing efforts to continually refine your kit and sharing in the good comradery of the company, please do not apply for membership. Likewise, if your intent is to be associated with what is perceived to be the cool, trendy impression of the year, have an elitist attitude or find great joy at making fun of others who may not be at the same level of authenticity or unit proficiency we are working to be at, please do not apply.

How to Contact us:

In the Northeast: Paul Levasseur - Paullev@verizon.net

In Virgina/Maryland/North Carolina: Rich Moncrief - 76mmfirefly@rivnet.net

Visit Our Yahoo Group and Apply for Membership:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/42nd_Battali...lack_Watch_RHC/