The Immortals

Robert Gould Shaw Memorial
National Gallery

Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved? - Odysseus (Movie "Troy" 2004)

While not an actual, historical quote, the sentiment rings true. While only a few names come down to us through the centuries (mostly generals, who remembers the folks who actually do the fighting, killing and dying?) there are some things remembered through the long dusty centuries.

The phalanx of Philip and Alexander's days. Xenophon's 10,000.

Yes, we also remember the names of Hector and Achilles. Whether they were actual historical personages or not. Someone must have inspired Homer to write his tale of battle and grief, and heroic death.

Who can forget the Minutemen of Lexington and Concord?

Napoleon's Imperial Guard? The Royal Highland Regiment (otherwise known as The Black Watch)?

The Stonewall Brigade? The Iron Brigade?

Some of you are perhaps scratching your heads already, others are perhaps nodding their heads and saying "Yeah, I remember those guys." And in the same breath perhaps asking "What about [insert your favorite unit here]?"

For the military historian there is much that can be argued about in the realm of warfare, and the men (and now women) who fight those wars. But one thing which an honest historian will tell you, there are those military organizations who's fame, for one reason or another, rings true down through the years. The names of those who fought in those units may or may not be remembered. But the names of the units themselves will never be forgotten.

This new series of mine was inspired by the Ex-Bootneck over at The Mellow Jihadi when I read this post of his.

For those who don't know what a "bootneck" is, I give you the following:

Bootneck - A term deriving its origins from the leather 'stock' worn round the neck inside the collar by soldiers. Sailors goaded Marines by saying "Take my sea boots off your neck”, implying that a piece had been cut from his boots to serve as a stock. The expression is now used widely to mean a Royal Marine. (Source) 

Good lads to have with you in a firefight!

And while I'm on the topic, the Gurkhas are one of my favorite military units.

Also some lads you want on your side!

So that's where we're headed, a new series titled "The Immortals". This will be a look at some of military history's best units. This will include those army, naval, marine and air force units throughout the centuries who have left their mark upon history. Of whom old soldiers will speak when the night is late and the fire has burned low.

Their fame will endure forever, hence the title.

Scotland Forever!
The Scots Greys at Waterloo

The 42nd Regiment of Foot at Quatre Bras
The Black Watch

Make sure your gear is secured and non-essentials items are stowed. This ride will not be for the faint of heart!

I'm proud to say I've hoisted a pint (or three) with a few of these lads, back in the day.

Why yes, the Black Watch is my favorite regiment.