7th Battalion, Royal Scots facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 7th Volunteer Battalion, The Royal Scots |
|
|---|---|
| Active | August 1860 - 1908 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Territorial Force |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | Lothian Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Haddington |
| Commanders | |
| Honorary Colonel | Francis Charteris, 10th Earl of Wemyss |
The 7th Battalion, Royal Scots was a special group of soldiers. They were part of the Royal Scots, a famous Scottish army unit. This battalion was part of the British Army's Territorial Force. This meant they were volunteers who trained to help defend the country.
Contents
How the Battalion Started
This group started in the 1860s. It was called the 1st Administrative Battalion, Haddington Volunteers. Many people joined volunteer rifle groups back then to help protect their country.
Around 1880, the army made some changes. Because of these changes, the unit became the 1st Haddington Rifle Corps. Their main base stayed in Haddington.
In 1881, the unit joined the Royal Scots, a well-known Scottish regiment. It was then called the 6th Volunteer Battalion. A new part, "E Company," was also formed in Prestonpans.
Changes Over Time
In April 1888, the battalion was reorganized again. It became the 7th Volunteer Battalion.
Later, in 1901, a new cadet group was formed at North Berwick High School. This group joined with the battalion. By 1906, this cadet group grew. It formed a new "C Company, Haddington Cadet Corps" in Prestonpans.
Finally, in April 1908, another law changed things for the army. This law was called the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907. Because of it, the 7th Battalion joined with the 6th Battalion. Together, they became the new 8th Battalion.
How the Battalion Was Organized
The way this group was set up changed over time. It started with 7 companies, then went down to 6, and later to just 1.
Here is how the battalion looked in 1868. Back then, it was called the 1st Administrative Battalion, Haddington Volunteers:
- 1st Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - Haddington
- 2nd Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - Gifford
- 3rd Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - Haddington
- 4th Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - Aberlady
- 5th Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - East Linton
- 6th Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - Dunglass
- 7th Haddington Rifle Volunteer Corps - North Berwick
When the unit was reorganized in 1880, it was called the 1st Haddington Rifle Corps. It had these companies:
- A Company - Haddington
- B Company - Haddington
- C Company - Aberlady
- D Company - East Linton
- E Company - West Barns
- F Company - North Berwick
Leaders of the Battalion
Many officers led the 7th Battalion during its history. Here are some of them:
- Major later Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Warrender (September 19, 1860 - December 22, 1868)
- Lieutenant Colonel Jas. W. H. Anderson (December 23, 1868 - June 1, 1872)
- Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Scott (June 2, 1872 - June 25, 1879)
- Lieutenant Colonel later Honorary colonel P. Dods (June 26, 1879 - May 31, 1882)
- Lieutenant Colonel W. Guild (June 1, 1882 - September 5, 1894)
- Lieutenant Colonel later Honorary colonel John D. Watson (September 6, 1894 - May 1, 1898)
- Lieutenant Colonel later Honorary colonel Robert Maxwell Main, VD (May 2, 1898 - February 20, 1904)
Other Facts
When the battalion was part of the Territorial Force, it had a specific rank. It was 190th in the army's Order of precedence. This means it had a certain place in line compared to other units.
In 1901, during the South African War, the regiment sent two companies to fight. For their bravery, they earned a special award called a "battle honour." It was named "South Africa, 1901."
