My Pops was a Leatherneck, Can I wear a USMC Kilt?

[Stratherrick]

For the longest time I tried to track down a WW1 Machine Gun Corps cap badge as worn by my great uncle who died of his wounds just after the end of the war in a military hospital in Aberdeen. My greatest achievement, in family history terms, has been getting his name inscribed in the books of the fallen at the Scottish War Memorial chapel in Edinburgh Castle, 90 years after he died!

After much thought, though it would be a fitting tribute, I've decided against getting one as I feel I'd be stepping on the graves of those who fought and died wearing it.

Still, if you want to wear a badge or kilt in honour of a family member, I'd have no problem. I think it's just a personal decision.

Slainte

Bruce

[Bog Trotter]

To answer Swampthing, the answer is no. Although the Black Watch is the official tartan of the regiment, you do not have to be in the British army to wear the government sett tartan. Some out there might argue with me on this but, the BWT is also identified as a universal tartan. Many pipe banks wear the BWT, and others wear it because they have no clan tartan or connection. (Mileage may vary)

[macwilkin]

To answer Swampthing, the answer is no. Although the Black Watch is the official tartan of the regiment, you do not have to be in the British army to wear the government sett tartan. Some out there might argue with me on this but, the BWT is also identified as a universal tartan. Many pipe banks wear the BWT, and others wear it because they have no clan tartan or connection. (Mileage may vary)

Remember though, that the term "universal" in this instance refers to something else, namely the effort by the British Government to see all of the Scottish Regiments adopt a "universal" tartan. When Lowland Regiments were issued the Government Sett during the late 1800s, for example, many an old Lowland soldier referred to the tartan as the "MacChilders tartan", in reference to Secretary of State for War H.C.E. Childers, who authorised the issuing of tartan to said Lowlanders.

So whilst the tartan is a de facto universal tartan today, originally, the term referred to military-issue.

Source: http://www.scottishmilitaryarticles....le_tartans.htm
(from the old Scottish Military Historical Society, now defunct.)

Regards,

Tpdd

[Highland Logan]

When Lowland Regiments were issued the Government Sett during the late 1800s, for example, many an old Lowland soldier referred to the tartan as the "MacChilders tartan", in reference to Secretary of State for War H.C.E. Childers, who authorised the issuing of tartan to said Lowlanders.

I did not know that. Very cool fact. Thanks Todd.

Frank