Cap Badge - The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada - King's Crown. This badge was only worn on the glengarry. The red hackle was worn on the bonnet. Badge: Azure the figure of St. Andrew proper standing on a mount Vert holding his cross Argent all within an annulus Azure fimbriated and inscribed "NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT" in letters Or, ensigned by the Royal crown and environed by a wreath of thistles proper all between a scroll on either side of the Crown inscribed THE BLACK WATCH and two scrolls Or in base inscribed ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT and OF CANADA in letters sable, the whole set on the diamond-cut star of the Order of the Thistle Argent. Symbolism: The [King's] Crown represents service to the Sovereign. The badge of the regiment is styled on that of their former British allied regiment The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) - now, through amalgamation, The Royal Regiment of Scotland - whose badge, in turn, was based on that of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland. The diamond-cut star, the thistles (the national flower of Scotland) and the representation of St. Andrew (the patron saint of the Order and of Scotland) and the cross appear on the Order's badge. The scrolls bearing the words "THE BLACK WATCH", "ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT" and "OF CANADA" are a form of the regimental title and "NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT" (No one shall touch me with impunity) is the motto of the Regiment and the Order of the Thistle. The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada is the oldest highland regiment in Canada. Volunteers have served in the Regiment since its beginnings in Montreal on 31 January 1862, when it was known as the 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada. While the American Civil War and the creation of a large American Federal Army were creating a necessity of establishing a united Canada, Canadian citizens were demanding the creation of local militia units to guarantee the fundamental rights of British North America. Montrealers were no exception, and early in 1862 the 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada, the forebear of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, came into existence. The Black Watch of Canada's birth and growth is thus analogous to that of the Parent Regiment, which was formed in 1739 to guarantee peace in the highlands of Scotland and eventually to fight for Monarch and Country in conflicts throughout the world. It is therefore not surprising that both Regiments share a common heritage, spirit, and a distinctive highland dress. The tartan of the Black Watch and the Royal Stewart tartan of its pipers, are known the world over as hallmarks of outstanding service in peace and war. Although members of the Regiment served side by side with the Black Watch of Scotland in the Boer War, the formal alliance between Regiments did not occur until 1905. The great battles of World War I and World War II served to strengthen the alliance, and constant liaison and exchanges of officers and other ranks are fitting expressions of our wish to maintain this valuable affiliation. During World War I, 11,954 officers and enlisted men fought in the three battalions of the Canadian Regiment, winning twenty-six battle honours. 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. During World War II, the Canadian Regiment joined with battalions of the Black Watch from all parts of the Commonwealth in the struggle to defeat the Axis Powers. The Regiment first saw action at Dieppe, where its "C" Company and Mortar Platoon were key components of the assault force. Landing in Normandy shortly after D-Day, the Black Watch participated in some thirty battle actions throughout France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Members of the Regiment won 211 honours and awards for the campaign. While the immediate post-war years saw the Black Watch (RHR) of Canada revert back to its role as a one-battalion militia regiment, in 1953, the 1st and 2nd Canadian Highland Battalions (Active Force) were re-designated 1st and 2nd Battalion Black Watch (RHR) of Canada while the Montreal Militia Unit became 3rd battalion. The designation "3rd Battalion" has now been removed from the Militia Unit and The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada has reverted to its traditional role as being a Militia Regiment in Canada's Armed Forces. In August 1992, the Regiment was granted the Freedom of the City of Montreal. The towns of Ormstown and Huntingdon, Quebec granted the Regiment the Freedom of their cities in 1997 and 1998, respectively. marchpast2 And in the fall of 1999, the City of Verdun, Quebec, bestowed the Freedom of the City upon the Regiment. Verdun has provided many Black Watch soldiers from the First War onwards. Today the Black Watch is a modern infantry battalion providing trained soldiers to augment regular force units and to aid civil authorities in times of crises. Currently, the Regiment has soldiers serving in Afghanistan. To fulfill these tasks, the soldiers undergo extensive infantry and more specialized training.