The Blackwatch - Royal Highland Regiment

The Black Watch was an elite military Regiment whose history stretches back almost three centuries. This website aims to provide comprehensive information on everything 'Black Watch' from the history of the Regiment to its current activities and exists to celebrate and sustain that unique heritage and tradition.

Victoria Cross Winners

The Black Watch and the Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross is the highest British award, which may be given for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

The Decoration, which was instituted by Queen Victoria on 29 January 1856, may be conferred upon officers, non-commissioned officers and men of all the armed forces. It ranks above all other British Orders and Decorations. This, however, is established by custom only, not by statute.

It is a cross patte of bronze, made from metal from one of the Russian guns captured at Sebastopol. In the centre is the Royal Crest over a scroll bearing the words For Valour. The date of the act of bravery is given on the reverse and the recipient’s name is engraved on the back of the bar. The holders receive a tax-free annuity and are entitled to add the letters VC after their name.