Royal Scots fusiliers

The Royal Highland Fusiliers was formed on 20th January 1959 by the amalgamation of The Royal Scots Fusiliers and The Highland Light Infantry. These two famous Regiments were formerly three, the 21st Fusiliers, the 71st Highlanders and the 74th Highlanders. During fifteen reigns from King Charles 2nd to Queen Elizabeth 2 there are few battlefields of importance on which they have not been present.

The 21st Fusiliers was raised in the late 17th century (1678) by Charles Erskine, fifth Earl of Mar and known as “Mar’s Grey Breeks” on account of its hidden grey trews. The name of the Regiment changed often from the Scots Fusiliers, North British Fusiliers and the Royal North British Fusiliers. The name Fusilier became an honourable distinction although the regiment was seldom used to protect artillery.

Sergeant Walsh & others at Railway Hill

The 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers were despatched during October and November 1899 and served with the relief force and fought at the Battles of Colenso, Spioenkop, Vaalkranz, and the Breakthrough.

Private Ravenhill of the 2nd Battalion won the regiments first Victoria cross.

Probably it’s most famous Colonel-in-Chief was Sir Winston Churchill, also a member of this regiment during WW2 was my own father Private William Kaighin.

See Angloboerwarfor an in depth look at the regiment site