1862
Foundation
The Regiment Is Founded
The Regiment is established in Montréal, beginning a legacy of service that continues today.
Origins & identity
Born in Montréal. Carried Forward.
The Black Watch has been part of Montréal since 1862. Raised from the city it continues to call home, the Regiment has drawn generations of soldiers from Montréal and the surrounding communities.
Its identity developed through more than a century and a half of service, shaped by the Red Hackle, Highland traditions, changing Regimental titles and an enduring connection between soldier, Regiment and city.
Archival imagery from the early history of the Regiment.
Established
1862
1862
Founded in Montréal
Authorized on 31 January 1862 as the 5th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada, beginning more than 160 years of continuous Regimental service.
1895
The Red Hackle
The Regiment was officially permitted to wear the Red Hackle in the feather bonnet, formally recognizing a tradition already established within the Regiment.
1930s
The Black Watch Identity
During the 1930s, the Regiment’s Black Watch identity and official title were further established, carrying its Highland heritage forward in Canadian service.
A legacy of service
Across Generations.
From Montréal to operations around the world, generations of Black Watch soldiers have served Canada through war, peace and a changing security environment.
1914–1918
First World War
Service Overseas
Members of the Regiment serve overseas during the First World War, building an enduring reputation for courage, service and sacrifice.
1939–1945
Second World War
Called to Serve Again
The Regiment mobilizes for the Second World War and fights through Northwest Europe as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division.
Postwar
A Changing Army
Service in a Changing World
The Regiment continues to serve through the postwar period, including Regular Force service, NATO commitments and United Nations operations.
1953–1954
Korea
Service in Korea
In 1953, the 2nd Canadian Highland Battalion deployed to Korea and was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada on 16 October 1953.
2001–2014
Afghanistan
Service in Afghanistan
Black Watch soldiers contributed to Canadian operations in Afghanistan, connecting a new generation with the Regiment’s long record of operational service.
Today
Primary Reserve
The Legacy Continues
Today’s soldiers train for domestic and expeditionary operations while continuing to contribute to Canadian Armed Forces missions in Canada and abroad.
The Black WatchThe past is not simply remembered. It is carried forward by every generation that wears the badge.
Honours carried forward
Battle Honours.
Battle honours preserve the memory of campaigns and engagements in which members of the Regiment served with distinction. Together, they form a visible record of courage, service and sacrifice across generations.
1899-1900
South African War
Members of the Regiment volunteered for service in South Africa, beginning a tradition of overseas service that would continue through the major conflicts of the twentieth century.
- South Africa, 1899-1900
1914–1918
The First World War
The Regiment perpetuates the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), CEF, whose service on the Western Front earned an extraordinary record of battle honours during the First World War.
- Ypres, 1915
- St. Julien, 1915
- Gravenstafel
- Festubert, 1915
- Mount Sorrel, 1915
- Somme, 1916
- Pozières, 1916
- Thiepval, 1916
- Ancre Heights, 1916
- Ancre, 1916
- Vimy, 1917
- Arras, 1917
- Scarpe, 1917
- Arleux, 1917
- Hill 70, 1917
- Passchendaele, 1917
- Arras, 1918
- Scarpe, 1918
- Amiens, 1918
- Drocourt-Quéant, 1918
- Hindenburg Line, 1918
- Canal du Nord, 1918
- Pursuit to Mons, 1918
- France and Flanders, 1915–1918
First World War
- 13,000+ members served
- 29 Battle Honours awarded
1944–1945
The Second World War
The Regiment fought through Northwest Europe as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, earning battle honours from the Normandy campaign through the Scheldt, the Rhineland and the final advance into Germany and the Netherlands.
- Clair Tizon, 1944
- Bourguébus Ridge, 1944
- Verrières Ridge – Tilly-la-Campagne, 1944
- Faubourg de Vaucelles, 1944
- Falaise, 1944
- Forêt de la Londe, 1944
- The Scheldt, 1944
- Antwerp–Turnhout Canal, 1944
- Woensdrecht, 1944
- South Beveland, 1944
- Walcheren Causeway, 1944
- The Rhineland, 1945
- The Hochwald, 1945
- Xanten, 1945
- The Rhine, 1945
- Dunkirk, 1944
- Groningen, 1945
- Oldenburg, 1945
- North-West Europe, 1944–1945
Second World War
- 5,700+ members served
- 19 Battle Honours awarded
1953–1954
Service in Korea
In 1953, the 2nd Canadian Highland Battalion deployed to Korea and was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada on 16 October 1953.
- Korea 1953–1954
1953–1970
Regular Force
Beginning in the 1950s, The Black Watch included Regular Force battalions serving alongside the historic Montréal-based regiment. Black Watch soldiers served in Canada and abroad during a period of significant change for the Canadian Army, including NATO commitments in Europe and United Nations operations.
In 1970, the Regular Force battalions were reduced to nil strength. The Montréal regiment continued as part of the Reserve Force, preserving the Regiment’s identity, traditions and connection to the city where it was founded.
- Regular Force 1953–1970
2001–2014
South-West Asia
Awarded in recognition of the Regiment’s contribution to Canadian operations in Afghanistan, connecting a new generation of Black Watch soldiers to the Regiment’s long record of operational service.
- Afghanistan
Today
Contemporary Service
Today, The Black Watch remains an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army’s Primary Reserve, based in Montréal. Its soldiers train for domestic and expeditionary operations while continuing to contribute to Canadian Armed Forces missions in Canada and abroad.
New generations continue to wear the Red Hackle and carry forward the Regiment’s traditions, connecting contemporary service with a history that began in Montréal in 1862.
- Primary Reserve — Montréal
In remembrance
We will remember them.
Generations of Black Watch soldiers have answered the call to serve. Many did not return.
We remember those who gave their lives in the service of Canada, those who served before us, and the families who shared in their sacrifice. Their service and memory remain part of the Regiment they helped to build.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Preserving the record
Museum & Archives.
The Regimental collection preserves the material record of service: uniforms, medals, photographs, correspondence, documents and personal objects entrusted to the Regiment across generations.
The Regimental Collection
History made tangible
The Black Watch Museum
The museum connects the history of the Regiment with the people who lived it, supporting education, remembrance, research and the continuing life of the Regimental family.
Museum & Archives
Research & Enquiries.
The Regiment welcomes enquiries from researchers, families, veterans and members of the public seeking information about Black Watch history, former members, photographs, artifacts and archival material.
A living inheritance
The story continues.
The heritage of The Black Watch lives through the soldiers who serve today, the traditions they carry forward and the Regimental family that continues to support them.