WWI HIGHLANDERS

The tradition of forming regiments of Scotsmen living in the mountainous part of their country (called Highlanders) dates back to the 18th century. The regiments formed in this way were, of course, composed of volunteers, and one of the oldest such regiments was The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). In the nineteenth century, others were also formed, including: The Highland Light Infantry or The Gordon Highlanders. At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, the Highlanders regiments were of course part of the British Army, but distinguished themselves by the use of kilts instead of uniform trousers. The armament and equipment, on the other hand, were virtually identical to those in other British Army units. For example, the infantry's primary weapon was the Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III rifle, and the field artillery used mostly 18-pounder 84mm guns. It is worth adding that Highlanders units took part in many battles of World War I, including the First and Second Battle of Ypres (1914-1915), the Battle of the Somme (1916) and the Battle of Aisne in 1917. They often showed high combat qualities and the courage of their soldiers.