The Black Watch at the battle of Alma during the Crimean War in historical military prints. The Royal Highland regiment The Black Watch, part of the Highland Division at the Battle of Alma. Military art prints published by Cranston Fine Arts.

 Interesting though it would be to dwell on many of the occurrences of the intervening years, we must pass on to 1854, when the 42^nd 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.