XLIInd Regiment of Foot
From 1751 to 1759
In the center of each colour is to be painted, or embroidered, in gold
Roman characters, the number of the rank of the regiment, within the
wreath of roses and thistles on the same stalk. The second Colour to be
the colour of the facing of the regiment, with the Union in the upper
canton; except those regiments which are faced with red, white, or black.
The 42nd Foot traces its long history back to 1624 when, in the Highlands of Scotland,
independent companies started being raised to keep fellow clansmen in check. After the
first Jacobite uprising in 1715, the independent companies were disbanded by King George I.
In 1724 six independent companies of highlanders were raised under General George Wade.
These independent companies came to be known as 'The Black Watch.'
In 1739 George II ordered the Independent Highland Companies to form a Regiment of Foot
under the Earl of Crawford; this regiment was known as Crawford's Regiment. In 1743, the
'Black Watch' arrived in Flanders, and joining forces under King George II, saw action during
the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1747, the 'Black Watch' was numbered the 43rd Foot.
This ranking was held until being renumbered the 42nd Foot in 1749. The regiment was
designated the 42nd Regiment of Foot, or Highland Regiment, in 1751.
The 42nd arrived in North America in 1756 and was garrisoned in Albany, New York.
On July 8, 1758 during the Battle of Ticonderoga, the 42nd participated in the famed charge
on the French lines and attempted to storm the breastworks on Ticonderoga Heights, losing over
half its number. On July 22, 1758 the 42nd Regiment of Foot was given 'Royal' designation,
becoming the 'Royal Highland Regiment'. King George also authorized the raising of an
additional battalion. This 'second battalion' was sent to the West Indies, seeing action at
Martinique, and the capture of Guadeloupe in 1759. Later that year, the 'second regiment'
joined forces with the 'Old 42nd' at Fort Oswego. Albeit speculation, perhaps this
'regiment' was simply reinforcements, clad in the new 'blue-faced' uniform, and
carrying the new Colours. In 1759 the 42nd 'Royal Highland Regiment' took
part in the siege of Ticonderoga and the capture of Crown Point, and was
present for the French surrender of Montreal in 1760.
After Montreal, the 42nd returned to the West Indies, taking part in the capture
of Martinique and the Spanish citadel of Havana. The regiment returned
to New York in October of 1762, departing for Ireland in 1767.
The front [of the drums] to be painted with the colour of the facing
of the regiment, with the King's cypher and crown, and the
number of the regiment under it.
The XLIId, or ROYAL HIGHLANDERS
From 1759 to leaving America in 1767
In the center of each colour is to be painted, or embroidered, in gold
Roman characters, the number of the rank of the regiment, within the
wreath of roses and thistles on the same stalk. The second Colour to be
the colour of the facing of the regiment, with the Union in the upper canton.
The front [of the drums] to be painted with the colour of the facing
of the regiment, with the King's cypher and crown, and the
number of the regiment under it.
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