The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

Graphic: Joanna Gajdicar

The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, abbreviated as RHC and commonly known as The Black Watch, is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, and it is Canada’s senior highland regiment.

In response to the rise of military strength south of the border during the American Civil War, the Canadian government authorized the formation of militia regiments. Six Montreal Scottish leaders responded to the call of the Canadian government in the face of growing American military strength by forming an infantry company for the 5th Battalion. Eventually eight companies were created for border service. Since that time thousands of Canadian citizens have served with The Black Watch. In addition to Canadian border security, they fought in the Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, supported NATO operations in Europe and in South-East Asia, and participated in peacekeeping missions around the world for the United Nations.

The unit has provided aid to Canadians during domestic operations, most recently during the ice storm in Quebec and Eastern Ontario, during flood relief operations (Operation LENTUS), on Canadian sovereignty exercises (Operation NANOOK) and during operations in support of the federal response to the COVID-19 global pandemic (Operations LASER and VECTOR), during which the unit deployed significant forces. The unit has also been involved in numerous expeditionary operations abroad, including Operation CROCODILE, Operation IMPACT, Operation REASSURANCE and Operation UNIFIER. The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada also received battle honours for its involvement in missions in Afghanistan.

When you join our unit, you will receive competitive pay for your part time or full time work as well as be eligible for on the job training that could benefit you in civilian life. Also, there are medical, dental and educational benefits available to Army Reservists.

Here are all the details:

• Serve part time in the CAF
• Competitive pay
• On the job training
• Medical and dental benefits
• Paid education

• Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Roy
• Regimental Sergeant-Major - Chief Warrant Officer François Mamen

The Black Watch Regiment of Canada
2067 Bleury St
Montreal, QC H3A 2K2

Phone: 514-496-1686

The official history of the Black Watch (Royal Highlander Regiment) of Canada can be found at the Directorate of History and Heritage website.