In the center of their colours, the thisle within the circle of St. Andrew,
and crown over it; and in the three corners of the second colour,
the King's cypher and crown.
"Formed in Scotland in 1678, as Earl of Mar’s regiment of Foot, the Regiment was to provide internal stability for Scotland. The regiment, being one of the few in the British army to carry the light musket (fusil), was designated the Scots Fuziliers in 1695. In 1712, the regiment was designated a Royal regiment and thereafter became known as The Royal North British Fuziliers until 1751, when the regiment was assigned the number ‘21’ and its title became the 21st Regiment of Foot, Royal North British Fuziliers.
During the American Revolution, three Fuzilier regiments existed in the British army, the 7th Regiment (Royal Fuziliers) represented England, the 21st Regiment (Royal North British Fuziliers) represented Scotland and the 23rd Regiment (Royal Welsh Fuziliers) represented Wales; all three were currently serving in America. Fuzilier regiments were initially raised to guard the army’s baggage and artillery, but by the time of the American Revolution these regiments were considered some of the foremost ‘old corps’ regiments in the British army with well established history’s. The 21st was on the Irish establishment in 1776 when it was selected to join other units in Canada for a campaign in the American colonies. The Regiment sailed from Cork in 1776, and was present at the relief of Quebec.
On Burgoyne’s campaign on 1777, the 21st Grenadier and Light Infantry Company’s served with the Advance Guard (consisting of the flank company’s of each regiment, including the entire 24th Regiment) under the command of General Simon Fraser. It was the advance corps that cut the road and hauled the cannon to the summit of Mount Defiance, forcing the Americans to leave Fort Ticonderoga. Following the American retreat, the Advance Guard fought a grueling, climbing fight at the Battle of Hubbardton before joining the rest of the army at Skenesburogh.
On September 19th, the Battalion Company’s of the 21st, along with those of the 9th, 20th and 62nd Regiments fought a grueling battle known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm. Although massive casualties were inflicted on these regiments, the British remained masters of the field. During the 2nd battle of Saratoga, the Grenadier and Light Infantry Company’s of the 21st met heavy resistance while advancing with the rest of the advance guard. Although outnumbered 4 to 1, the Advanced Guard made a stand until the wounding of General Simon Fraser, the corps esteemed commander, retreat became necessary. Following the retreat of the Advanced Corps, the British lines began to collapse. The Following retreat to Saratoga by the entire regiment was borne with courage and fortitude as the 21st surrendered with the rest of Burgoyne’s army next to the Hudson River on October 17th.
The 21st has gone on to serve honorably in many campaigns around the world. In 1956, during the amalgamations of the British army, the regiment received its title of today; The Royal Highland Fusiliers. Fighting in the Persian Gulf war and today’s war on terrorism, the regiment remains a proud representative of both the British army, and Scotland."
On the Drums, and bells of arms, the thistle and crown to be painted,
as in the colours. Rank of the regiment underneath.
Evidence suggests that the drum would also have had depictions of the
King's cypher and crown to the upper right, lower right, and lower left of the
thisle within the circle of St. Andrew, and "Regt XXI" in gold leaf to the upper left.
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