Lord Kitchener sums up best the True character of the Gordon Highlanders in his dispatch to the Imperial Staff- A Group of Highlanders were guarding a train during the first Boer War. They were attacked and over whelmed by 150 Boers. When they were down to four men in a railcar, the Boers attacked and killed three and gravely wounded the last man. When they asked him why they hadn't just surrendered, his response was "Why, man, We're the Gordon Highlanders." A toast-Here's to them and, those like them... Damned few left.
@ianwatson2387
6 жыл бұрын
The British Army has been under sustained attack for over 50 years from successive governments, and now the entire Army couldn't even fill Wembley stadium. What an absolute shocking disgrace.
@mikechedzoy4866
4 ай бұрын
This will sober you. The UK armed forces wouldn't last 2 months in Ukraine with the current casualty rates.
@fraserm803
4 ай бұрын
@mike In times of uk military need it will be conscripts that would easily swell the numbers into the millions. Just think we could even have our own muslim regiment.
@paulwilliams2663
4 ай бұрын
Numbers mean nothing, whatsoever. Capability and technology mean everything....have you not watched Russias woes in Ukraine ? Russia has so effectively proven, there is no point having parade ground armies, mass ranks of men and machines if they cannot be integrated as a single full spectrum force, sustained in the field under all the demands of modern war fighting, The presenr n future is drone, we've witnessed kids with drones holding back, the alleged mighty red army, consumate ease. You can hark on about the halcyon days of yesteryear, but there's an omnipresent evolution in warfare, what has exposed the UK in the past.
@paulwilliams2663
4 ай бұрын
@fraserm803 Haha great shout Fraser, they can go with the 1 million who fought for the British in Ww2, or even some of the gurkhas who happen to be Muslim, or why don't you take it up personally with UKSF, SBS legend Pasha Munro, he's on KZitem, I can connect you if wish. Signed an Ex 42 comrade.
@paulwilliams2663
4 ай бұрын
@mikechedzoy4866 Taking their casualty level is completely incomparable, I assume you're not a military man ? Whilst the ranks need swelling, the UK doesn't and never will have an army, vast. For very obvious reasons, it has 24 million commonwealth troops in alliance, we can discount India in the current threat, but Canada and ANZAC alone, would beef figures up far superior. This us not including NATO, now including Sweden and Finland, what incorporates 3 nuclear powers, Turkey alone boasts over 300,000 troops contribution to NATO. Potential warfare is not the war once was, its micro war and techno war, drones, a conventional war with Russia, they'd be flattened. See Syria, when Russia attacked an Amerucan base latterly, they were destroyed. As you say the Ukrainian army is by in large reservists, NATO, Commonwealth and the Brits don't require that yet. This is a new war fashion, that were witnessing playing out. And Russia are years behind. Generals and troops win battles, Economies win wars.
@Sea.dweller483
2 жыл бұрын
Dad was in the Gordon’s he did his national service he served his time in Egypt between tripoli and bengarzi he was a true Gordon till the sad day he passed away. His dad my grandad served in the black watch . Very proud to be Scottish.
@richardthompson9836
2 жыл бұрын
Greetings from Orlando, Florida. My father was a GI and my mum was a "War Bride". Her uncle served with the Seaforth. I'm honored to have Scottish roots.
@jamesleon5985
4 ай бұрын
crap hat cu**
@bettyrobb8219
Жыл бұрын
My late husband was a Gordon Highlander and proud of it!🏴🇨🇦❤️
@leslielaverick-stovin8823
2 жыл бұрын
I had the honour to be the very last Master Chef of the Queens Own Highlanders and on amalgamation with the Gordons the very first Master Chef of the new The Highlanders based at Dreghorn Barracks Edinburgh. Fond and happy memories serving with a true family of brave warriors…
@maconescotland8996
5 жыл бұрын
Apparently the Sgt's.Mess of the Gordons had one of the biggest collections of malt whiskies anywhere in the world - I bet that lot was scoffed before amalgamation !!!
@user-ex1bc9yp7v
4 жыл бұрын
My dad was in the gordons for 22 years we were in Germany in 84 it was the best days of my life. So sad it's all over.
@franceselliott5975
3 жыл бұрын
We were there too! Hemer Konigsberger strasse
@user-ex1bc9yp7v
3 жыл бұрын
@@franceselliott5975 berliner strasse, hemer 😊
@TheYizuman
2 жыл бұрын
What about yearly reunions, is that happening?
@user-ex1bc9yp7v
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheYizuman from what I know the Gordon's have a yearly reunion called G in the park , maybe find it on utube.
@TheYizuman
2 жыл бұрын
@@user-ex1bc9yp7v Found some on YT, appreciate the tip.
@jamestaylor7375
6 жыл бұрын
Churchill stated it was " The greatest regiment in the world " and it has proved its worth since it was raised so many years ago. All our families served in the GORDONS at one time and it should not have been merged as we need all our Scottish regiments. I remember pleading with politicians when it was hinted of merger to fight for the retention of the regiment even if it was to serve as an answer to the unemployed and learn them self-respect and discipline in preparation for the outside world and as a training place for real work. I feel this was a valuable opportunity that the then government missed out on. It has a very long PROUD HISTORY that will never be forgotten. SLANGE
@simonhattrell5321
6 жыл бұрын
Great tradition. I remember the Queen's Own Highlanders based in the barracks next to Wavell Barracks in Spandau (the same as the Gordons in this 1994 doco). I revisited Berlin ten years ago 40 years after I left Berlin (1 Glosters). The Scottish Regiments always got a standing ovation from the Berliners when they did public parades. Thanks for posting Eric.
@RidseardMhicCoinnich
6 жыл бұрын
Simon Hattrell . I was there with the Q.O.Hldrs in Berlin. Remember the Glosters and the Inniskiling Fusiliers who took over from them. Great memories.
@simonhattrell5321
6 жыл бұрын
RidseardMhicCoinnich. I met a really nice guy from the Q.O. Highlanders at the British Berlin Yacht Club, where I learned to sail. Actually the Inniskilling Fusiliers were there before the Glosters. They had moved to Berlin in September 1965 before returning to Worcester in October 1967 and were then amalgamated with other Irish regiments. I remember them as I was on the advance party to Wavell Barracks. It was interesting to have a look around the barracks 10 years ago in late April 2008 just before the usual May day demonstrations. A German policeman showed me around.
@RidseardMhicCoinnich
6 жыл бұрын
Simon Hattrell . Your memory serves you better than mine does me. We arrived in 66 from Osnabrück and billeted in Wavell Bks. The Corner Bar was the Regiments nearest local and there was an English guy who ran a small bratty stall from across the road who accepted BAFVS.
@grahamyoung2128
2 ай бұрын
Very sad! Politicians have to remember they work for the public……and if something isn’t broken, there is no need to try and fix it! 🏴🏴🏴
@bugler75
4 ай бұрын
An outstanding Regiment. I may have been a Royal Irish Soldier but my first Section Commander has been a Gordon and I knew their great history as well as the history of the Irish Regiments. A top class A/Tk Gunner and Bugler, I owed my first two tapes to him and finished as Bugler Major, all thanks to him. All thanks to an auld Gordon. Rest in peace Cpl. Charlie Clarke. A true Soldier. Bydand . Quis Seperabit ? Faugh a Ballagh! Ian
@gray3553
5 жыл бұрын
This was a damn shame, bloody politicians.
@michatvberlin
3 жыл бұрын
i was at the farewell Parade in Berlin-Charlottenburg March 1994
@lisahubbard9246
6 жыл бұрын
No one should forget WW2 or those who fought and died for the cause. I hope all goes well with the consolidation of the regiments. You are all such great soldiers with a long history you should be proud of. RESPECT from the US.
@liverpoolscottish6430
4 ай бұрын
Amalgamating the Gordon's was a disgrace- all that tradition throw away. Finest infantry soldiers in the world the Jocks. Hard as nails and ferocious in battle. Sister regt to the Liverpool Scottish, we drew our PSI's from the Gordon Highlanders and they were first class blokes. Scots ought to know how much it angers many English people when Scottish regts get reduced/amalgamated. Jewel in the Crown of the British Army in my humble opinion. I met Damien McNamara when I was on a course in Catterick in 1996, great guy. He took me to one side and tried to convince me to apply for a regular commission.
@edwardloomis887
Жыл бұрын
Proud to have served in Berlin through the mid-1980s with British partner units Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Royal Scottish Fusiliers and Black Watch. By 1994, it was five years after the wall fell and the tension that was the Cold War had long, long gone. No wall, no watch towers, not attack dogs, no auto-firing mines.
@thomasmcloney1437
3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your quick reply. I know the history of that brave man hector the hero but didn't recognise the tune.such a man deserves a fine pipe tune as that is.the gordons forever.
@johnbruce54
3 жыл бұрын
Damned shame what happened to our regiment, but thanks Eric for posting this. I have and will always remember fondly my time with some of the faces from this video. BYDAND. Bruce54 ex signal platoon.
@arielfornari6595
6 жыл бұрын
The segment in the documentary that speaks about the fourteen Gordon Highlanders buried at the allied cemetery in Berlin, also reminds me of the legionaries of the Spanish Foreign Legion, buried at the Tetuan military cemetery in Morocco........
@mackenshaw8169
4 жыл бұрын
The important thing to keep in mind is that The Gordons and other regiments were not lost despite thier traditions but because of them.
@kenrich239
9 ай бұрын
My Father Richard George Rich M B E Was the regiment sargent major in Essen We joined him there for two years. I was born in Gibraltar when the gordens were stationed there.
@davidcorbett8125
5 жыл бұрын
As an ex regular who served in W Berlin and W Germany the amalgamation of these famous regiments is in detriment of the whole British army. For those who have never served ie the politicians it looks like a common sense approach, but in reality it destroys the fabric of those army. Your loyalties are always to your Regiment and your friends, when you are part of your regiment the pride comes directly from that, when you merge regiments you lose that pride to a good degree, you lose the recruits from their particular area and you lose the pride and history your uncles fathers brothers built up. This needs to stop now before the British Army is reduced to a token paper force
@alundavies8402
5 жыл бұрын
You are well in the know so that is a bit of a worry and I thought that you need (if I’m wrong please don’t mug me off)that all the battles and things are all supposed to be remembered in that particular Regiments special way I’m probably being a bit innocent about all that stuff but if you did or that you are part of that You have a direct line down to Your selves and that
@arielfornari6595
6 жыл бұрын
I just came across this....I really feel the poignant moment of Color Sargent Stewart's interview along with his wife. I have the book "Soldiers", which narrates the biographies of several British soldiers who later became Chelsea pensioners. This interview sort of reminds me a bit, of some of those poignant stories, and the close involvement of their wives and families in their military careers. All the best to these men......sad to see this fine British unit to be disbanded. Greetings and respect from the other side of "the pond".
@kenclements3001
4 жыл бұрын
Such a tragedy that this fine highland regiment disappeared.
@jacobkeppler1984
6 жыл бұрын
They should keep Gordon highlanders great regiment 🇬🇧💂
@midnightteapot5633
4 ай бұрын
The speech of the Regimental chaplain of the Camerionian Scottish Rifles at its disbandment parade was one of the most powerful things I have heard, very similar words could have been spoken about this regiment being basically destroyed.
@thos.bennett567
4 ай бұрын
Damn shame, one of the finest regiments i had relatives who. fought with alongside them in WW1
@Stanly-Stud
4 ай бұрын
Wow Alex Jappy did 22 years & a Lance Jack 😮 Wonder what he did wrong
@graemewight2975
2 жыл бұрын
Unforgivable getting rid of the Gordons.
@victorsauvage1890
3 ай бұрын
DoD has made a bad decision - But the Minister and the government has stood back out of callousness.
@johnallen7807
3 жыл бұрын
You do not just "click your fingers" and create a regiment. The regimental system is what made the Army work and the envy of other countries. The really depressing thing is that none of the top brass have resigned over this issue.
@zen4men
3 ай бұрын
======= BYDAND =======
@ironwill8596
3 ай бұрын
My Great Grandfather was a Gordon highlander in ww1 and p.o.w
@normancameron6165
10 күн бұрын
Me the Gordons from Aberdeen area they was like me fae Dundee Black watch brothers
@woldtop8922
3 ай бұрын
I was in two regimental units, each with 300 years history, both gone.
@shampoo-supernova
3 жыл бұрын
Spats...bawl ache to get on.
@neil5568
3 жыл бұрын
At 10:50 above the barrack room door you can see an NS era "Reichsadler" in brick above the door with the swastika removed!
@bluestreak2701
5 ай бұрын
I think the government has made a big mistake in disbanding these glorious local Regiments. They will struggle in the future to recruit.
@eddiemurphy6584
5 жыл бұрын
my granda was a gordon n Saint-Valery-en-Caux my da was a sargent in the gordon when kenya got there independence my da gave the tost to the goverment
@bugler75
4 ай бұрын
Rest in peace Sgt Kempe Bydand.
@TheYizuman
2 жыл бұрын
Aren't there a yearly reunions for the Gordons? Would love to see an update video to see how the Gordons have been doing since Berlin.
@Jimdixon1953
4 ай бұрын
2:19 Portrait of Sir Hector MacDonald!!
@The1Blackwatch
4 жыл бұрын
Terrific video......and very poignant .
@RalphBrooker-gn9iv
4 ай бұрын
My Regiment, 1st Bn Royal Hampshire Regiment, served in the Berlin Infantry Brigade , 1986-87. During that time we won the Brigade infantry comp, hardly exacting by our standards. Our obligatory 15 entered sections occupied the first 15 places in the competition. We went from there to South Armagh (1987). The Princess of Wales, Lady Diana was appointed as our Col-in-Chief. From there to a bitter amalgamation in which soldiers refused to change berets. In my time Berlin was conspicuous - a wonderful posting, a wonderful city - because no bar or bier Keller had the right to ban British soldiers. I don’t know if that was myth. The nearest bar to our Barracks (Wavell) was a student bar. They didn’t want us. But several of us got in and blended without issue. Think it was called the Phalainix. I feel for the Gordons. And many Line Regiments. But it hit us all. I had it to on good authority from a 3 Para officer in 16 Air Assault Bde that the Royal Hampshire Regiment were of such a high quality under the command of the quote outstanding Lt. Col. A. Freemantle at that time that they were to be seconded as QRF to 16 Air Assault BdeI left rather than amalgamate. And I look today at the mess the politicians have left the British Army in. What pisses me off is the disrespectful regard which the MOD and the politicians hold the Line Regiments. The best COs I served with unfortunately left as brigadiers. A bloody waste. My Regiment gained its ‘Royal’ status due to conspicuous service during all theatres of WW2. Good luck to the Highland jocks.
@dulls8475
4 ай бұрын
The Royal Hampshires a great line regiment and second only to The Devon and Dorsets.
@RalphBrooker-gn9iv
4 ай бұрын
@@dulls8475 We we’re terrible rivals in my day. Really nasty stuff. I have no idea where that came from. Wonderful history the Devon & Dorsets. 🤝
@dulls8475
4 ай бұрын
@@RalphBrooker-gn9iv I remember the "scuffles well". Berlin was a great posting if you were not in a rifle company. I was not in a rifle company...I think you were there for our first year. Then the Gloucestershire Regt replaced you? I remember you lost a lad in the underground.
@RalphBrooker-gn9iv
4 ай бұрын
@@dulls8475 Recce Platoon. A Yorkshire Regiment, Prince of Wales’ Regiment of Yorkshire. We shared Wavell barracks. The mixed NAAFI was not a great idea and I’m just wondering if your Regiment was there when we arrived and then the Yorkshire lads took over from you. I remember a colossal punch up! Glasses flying from one side to the other. The NAAFI staff dropped the shutters and let us get on with it.
@dulls8475
4 ай бұрын
@@RalphBrooker-gn9iv No we had a few big ones with the Gloucester's in the Naafi.
@marciamercer407
4 жыл бұрын
Does any person know the name of the pipe tune played at the end of this documentary, it is a reoccurring tune throughout.
@ericgrant6689
4 жыл бұрын
Marcia Mercer It’s called Hector The Hero. General Sir Hector McDonald joined The Gordon Highlanders at the age of 17. He served gallantly in Afghanistan, Egypt, The Sudan, India, South Africa and Cylon. He died tragically in Paris in 1903.
@ericgrant6689
4 жыл бұрын
Marcia Mercer the same tune was played at the Edinburgh Tattoo, click on this link. kzitem.info/news/bejne/oo1tvWSsn3V3hKA&feature=share
@marciamercer407
4 жыл бұрын
Eric Grant, thank you for a speedy reply it's much appreciated. We have connections to the Queens Own Highlanders but now live on the paradise Island of Barbados. Thank you once more.
@smacwhinnie
7 ай бұрын
A Gordon for me…
@Highland_Moo
3 жыл бұрын
I went to school with guys who served with the Queens Own Highlanders. So sad that all the different regiments, (if that’s the right word), were disbanded during the 90s. Thank you to everyone who served our country, now and then.
@davidcrawford1551
3 ай бұрын
I took the redundancy package. My mistake. To consign The Gordon Highlanders to history with amalgamation was the biggest mistake. Politicians just don't get it.
@ericgrant6689
3 ай бұрын
Quite agree Davie, with the state of the world they could be doing with The Gordons now
@thomasmcloney1437
3 ай бұрын
Can someone please tell me the name of that pipe tune at the end of this grand video. Cheers.
@ericgrant6689
3 ай бұрын
The tune at the end is called Hector the Hero after General Sir Hector MacDonald, a famous Gordon Highlander.
@jacobkeppler1984
Жыл бұрын
They should of keep the regimental band of the Gordon highlanders to 💂🏴
@Jeffybonbon
26 күн бұрын
nothing new Nature of the Army always changing
@xaverpindl9729
5 жыл бұрын
Wurden die Gordon's nicht schon 94 in die Queens Own integriert?
@jasalexander-hain2601
4 ай бұрын
Aye the night of the colonels when they voted to tow the MOD line and reduce scots regiments to joined up battalions of Royal Reg of Scot, was never the same again. They lost that local X factor and struggle to recruit since
@dennisking6972
4 ай бұрын
The disbandment is happening to all our Infantry Regiments
@glosfishgb6267
3 жыл бұрын
This happened to all the regiments dam tories
@Surv1ve_Thrive
4 ай бұрын
Arguably conflict in Ukraine is happening after the withdrawal of allied forces from Germany.
@eddiemurphy6584
5 жыл бұрын
ch
@mikewinston8709
Жыл бұрын
The gay Gordon’s…..😂
@ericgrant6689
Жыл бұрын
Aye the Gay and Gallant, but as Winston Churchill once said after watching The Gordons in action “they are undoubtably the finest regiment in the world” BYDAND
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