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Interesting
though it would be to dwell on many of the occurrences of the intervening
years, we must pass on to 1854, when the 42nd formed part of
the famous Highland Brigade in the Crimean War.
Throughout the fascinating pages of the author of “Eothen” are
numerous mentions of this splendid regiment, of which one of the earliest
is the passage which tells on how that first trying march will precluded
the Alma, when the troops arrived gasping and fainting with heat and
thirst and weariness at their resting-place by the Buganak River, the
stern discipline of Sir Colin Campbell “would not allow even the rage of
thirst to loosen the high discipline of his splendid Highland regiments.
He halted them a little before they reached the stream, and so
ordered it that they gained in comfort, and know that they were the
gainers.” The next day was
to be known throughout the centuries as the Battles of the alma, and in
the sweet, quiet fragrance of the morning air, while, though the enemy was
in sight, nature seemed unready for war, and stillness pervaded the
warrior-covered slopes, the quiet tones of Sir Colin were heard,
remarking, “This will be a good time for the men to get loose half their
cartridges.” Before the day
ended many pouches were empty, and their owners refilled them, recalling
with pride “the deeds they did that day;” others were well nigh full,
but the hands that so gleefully opened them in the morning, lay stiff for
ever on the Russian hills. When
the time came for the Highlanders to charge, matters were looking serious.
Thistlewaite and Lindsay of the Scots Guards had saved their
colours, though torn and pierced with shot.
The Guards, like wounded demi-gods, were resting, scornfully
defiant, despite the terrible gaps in their ranks Twelve battalions were
before the Highland Brigade, which numbered three, yet there was no
thought of the possibility of failure in Campbell’s mind, as he wound up
his short address to his men with the words: “Now, men, the army is
watching us. Make me proud of
my Highland Brigade!” Then
the historian of the war tells us: - “Smoothly, easily, and swiftly, the
Black Watch seemed to glide up the hill. A few instants before, and their tartans ranged dark in the
valley; now their plumes were on the crest.”
A few deadly volleys, and the Russians fled in sheer confusion,
followed by the exulting shout of the triumphant Scots.
Neither Balaclava nor Inkerman are amongst the distinctions borne
by the Black Watch, but the Comprehensive “Sevastopol” covers many a
deed of heroism done during the long months that elapsed before it fell.
At the storming of the Redan, they were in reserve at the right
attack, and, had it been necessary, would have shared with the Guards the
renewed attack that was planned for the following morning.
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