Hey no problem the Black Watch (we have one in Canada - Royal Highland Regiment) has always been important to my family as members served in the old regiment as far back as the French-Indian War (an ancestor was wounded at Ticonderoga) and during the American Revolution (or Rebellion depending on who you ask
).
Unfortunately my family's connection to either the Canadian or British regiment hasn't always been as members... during WW2 on great uncle fought against the Canadian Black Watch during the battle of Normandy... as a member of the 12th SS. In all his years he said he could never forget the battle of July 25th, 1944 - nor had he said had he ever seen such bravery in the face of overwhelming odds -
Here are some quotes from that action for the viewpoint of the Germans:
***
We noticed a body of infantry -- about three to four hundred men - advance south. This was most impressive and perplexing. The soldiers were marching upright, holding rifles across their breasts in readiness, as if on parade drill.
***
They did not go for cover but kept on marching upright. To us, soldiers with four or five years of experience in Russia, this was an almost unreal sight.
***
The last picture I remember is ah, a few Canadian soldiers, mostly wounded, trying to get north. You should know we did not fire on retreating men. We had been too deeply impressed, and embarrassed, by this sacrifice and gallantry of a battalion which had no chance against our position, no close air support and meagre artillery. I think the dominating feeling was, let these poor men get home safely.
***
As for why they regiment attacked despite the odds against them, here's what one of the 15 (out of 325) survivors said:
We were Black Watch. we never learned the word retreat. And I didn't want to be branded a coward, I didn't want to bring disgrace on my family, on my regiment
This attitude is still alive and well amongst the current troops as well...
Threaded Mode