The 1st Battalion (42nd Foot) was raised in 1730 from six independent
companies of Highlanders for the protection of Edinburgh, as a
regiment of the watch. In 1751, it was numbered the 42nd. On becoming
amalgamated, the bright colours in the tartans were extracted, leaving
only the dark green ground as a tartan, and from this circumstance rose
the title "The Black Watch." In 1794, for gallant conduct at the battle
of Guildermalsen, in Holland, it won the "red hackle" (or plume) which
is worn in the men's feather bonnets.