"They really are a wonderful lot". The Black Watch and Kitchener's Army.

Derek Patrick's talk will explore the formation of the 8th, 9th and 10th (Service) battalions of the Black Watch and the men who served in New Army units of the regiment. Based on contemporary records he will discuss the geographic spread of recruiting, the origins of the volunteers, and how each battalion was officered and led. Finally, he intends to explore how regimental identity helped forge these battalions into effective units, and how each performed in the early stages of the war.

Dr Derek Patrick is a lecturer in History at the University of St Andrews. He has a long-term interest in the Great War. He was a co-founder of the Great War Dundee Commemorative Project, and was one of three Scottish academic advisers for the BBC's World War One at Home initiative.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.