We are a group of world war one historians and reenactors that take part in "Living History" and "Tactical Battles", educating both the public and ourselves on what it was like being Canadian Infantryman almost 100 years ago.
We are a group made up of members from all walks of life. Our members hail from a variety of different backgrounds and occupations including teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, artists, writers and more―all bound together by our love and passion for World War 1 history.
We are part of the Great War Historical Society, a club that participates in recreated trench battles and public displays in Southern California. All of us have pride in reenacting the “Ladies From Hell” of the Great War. We take pride in our impressions and educating the public. We have members that will take the time to help you put together a fantastic World War One impression. Anyone can become a member of our unit. We accept people of all races and creeds. One must take into consideration that WW1 events are rigorous and people do get banged up a bit. You should be up to date on tetanus shots. There is barbed wire out there. You should also be reasonably physically fit. There is a fair amount of running, jumping into trenches and crawling through wire at events.
All you need to participate is to purchase a basic kit and rifle (we have one set of loaner gear at this time). A good attitude and a willingness to have fun is also a huge plus. The current membership is made up of people with great initiative. We strive to do the best job we can while maintaining a balance of authenticity, safety and most of all the fun and satisfaction in what we do.
42ND BATTALION, ROYAL HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA THE BLACK WATCH- A Brief Unit History
The 42nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. Cantlie under authorization published in General Order 86 of 1 July 1915.
The battalion mobilized and recruited in Montreal.
The battalion embarked at Montreal on 10 June 1915 aboard HESPERIAN, disembarking in England on 19 June 1915. Its strength was 40 officers and 978 other ranks.
The battalion arrived in France on 9 September 1915, becoming part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Division.
It was later reinforced by the 20th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The battalion returned to England on 8 February 1919, arrived in Canada on 9 March 1919, was demobilized on 11 March 1919, and was disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
The battalion colors were deposited in the 5th Regiment (Royal Highland Regiment) Armoury in 1919. The battalion supported a pipe band.
The 42nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was perpetuated by The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada.
Theater Of Operations; France and Flanders
BATTLE HONORS:
Ypres 1915, 1917; Gravenstafel; St. Julien; Festubert 1915; Mount Sorrel; Somme 1916; Pozières; Flers-Courcelette; Thiepval; Ancre Heights; Ancre 1916; Arras 1917, 1918; Vimy 1917; Arleux; Scarpe 1917, 1918; Hill 70; Passchendale; Amiens; Drocourt-Quéant Line; Hindenburg Line; Canal du Nord; Pursuit to Mons.
During World War I, 11,954 officers and enlisted men fought in the three battalions of the Canadian Regiment, winning twenty-six battle honors. Of those who served, 2,163 were killed, 6,014 were wounded and 821 were decorated. Six of the decorated members were awarded the Victoria Cross.
We are a group made up of members from all walks of life. Our members hail from a variety of different backgrounds and occupations including teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, artists, writers and more―all bound together by our love and passion for World War 1 history.
We are part of the Great War Historical Society, a club that participates in recreated trench battles and public displays in Southern California. All of us have pride in reenacting the “Ladies From Hell” of the Great War. We take pride in our impressions and educating the public. We have members that will take the time to help you put together a fantastic World War One impression. Anyone can become a member of our unit. We accept people of all races and creeds. One must take into consideration that WW1 events are rigorous and people do get banged up a bit. You should be up to date on tetanus shots. There is barbed wire out there. You should also be reasonably physically fit. There is a fair amount of running, jumping into trenches and crawling through wire at events.
All you need to participate is to purchase a basic kit and rifle (we have one set of loaner gear at this time). A good attitude and a willingness to have fun is also a huge plus. The current membership is made up of people with great initiative. We strive to do the best job we can while maintaining a balance of authenticity, safety and most of all the fun and satisfaction in what we do.
42ND BATTALION, ROYAL HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA THE BLACK WATCH- A Brief Unit History
The 42nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. Cantlie under authorization published in General Order 86 of 1 July 1915.
The battalion mobilized and recruited in Montreal.
The battalion embarked at Montreal on 10 June 1915 aboard HESPERIAN, disembarking in England on 19 June 1915. Its strength was 40 officers and 978 other ranks.
The battalion arrived in France on 9 September 1915, becoming part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Division.
It was later reinforced by the 20th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The battalion returned to England on 8 February 1919, arrived in Canada on 9 March 1919, was demobilized on 11 March 1919, and was disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
The battalion colors were deposited in the 5th Regiment (Royal Highland Regiment) Armoury in 1919. The battalion supported a pipe band.
The 42nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was perpetuated by The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada.
Theater Of Operations; France and Flanders
BATTLE HONORS:
Ypres 1915, 1917; Gravenstafel; St. Julien; Festubert 1915; Mount Sorrel; Somme 1916; Pozières; Flers-Courcelette; Thiepval; Ancre Heights; Ancre 1916; Arras 1917, 1918; Vimy 1917; Arleux; Scarpe 1917, 1918; Hill 70; Passchendale; Amiens; Drocourt-Quéant Line; Hindenburg Line; Canal du Nord; Pursuit to Mons.
During World War I, 11,954 officers and enlisted men fought in the three battalions of the Canadian Regiment, winning twenty-six battle honors. Of those who served, 2,163 were killed, 6,014 were wounded and 821 were decorated. Six of the decorated members were awarded the Victoria Cross.
