KILTED SOLDIERS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20510, 11 January 1935, Page 7

KILTED SOLDIERS.

Australians to Wear Black Watch Uniforms. Great interest was manifested at the Highland Society’s official luncheon in Sydney recently in the announcement by the president. Captain J. R. Patrick. that it is intended to form at least two Scottish battalions in New South Wales. He said that, after persistent agitation, the Commonwealth authorities had sanctioned permission to wear the uniform of the Black Watch. “ Many people remember the old Sydney Scottish regiment, and its gallant and stirring history,” said Captain Patrick. “ There is the nucleus of a Scottish battalion in Sydney to-day, but to make it a real Scottish battalion it requires to be kilted and clad. The Government has granted permission to wear the Highland dress, but can only see its way to allow the cost of the usual uniform. “ Permission has been obtained to wear the uniform of the Black Watch, from the Colonel in Chief in Great Britain, and the battalion will be allied with this famous regiment. To do honour to our country and the men who will volunteer to serve, £SOOO will be required This amount will pay the cost of the kit for 1000 men. The intention is to have a battalion in Sydney and also a country battalion. It is not intended that this battalion shall be used to enforce the Gaelic language on peaceful citizens of Sydney.** (Laughter). Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor, who commands the 30th Battalion, the lineal descendant of the New South Wales Scottish Rifles, said the adoption of a distinctive uniform of a national character would stimulate enlistment in the citizens’ forces. It was proposed to begin the scheme for the creation of two battalions, with a personnel of 10 officers, 40 n.c.o.’s and 300 men.