Europe's Only Private Army

[@pacificostudios]

So when someone says, "You and whose Army?" there's a Scottish duke that can honestly say "Mine!"

[@retrogamermax8287]

Lol! I don't know why this cracks me up. 🤣

[@timcampo]

And you can usually meet him in SouthAfrica.

[@pacificostudios]

@@retrogamermax8287 - Thanks!

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

Aye there is.. lol

[@badlaamaurukehu]

*it's not called a dirk

[@DavidFraser007]

I've a friend who's an Athol Highlander. The rifles are not deactivated, they are legally functional because it's a private army.

[@k.r.baylor8825]

And also nominally part of the British military jurisdiction relating to firearms laws, but not under British military command. Like so many legacy regulations in England, the unit comes with a big asterisk.

[@kcyolne]

@@k.r.baylor8825 Not England

[@quackatoa6105]

They are deactivated.

[@gg-ps1vz]

personally, i think the scottish law protecting the right for people of color to live without discrimination which that was made by Westminster is nice for your country. I'd petition for more equality regulations from the scottish government. thanks :)

[@BazColne]

Thanks for that info.

[@theprof73]

My mother grew up in Athol, Massachusetts, US. The Dukes of Atholl have visited their namesake on a couple of occasions to celebrate various anniversaries of Athol's founding.

[@riff2072]

Sorry for this but, you know the old Massachusetts joke. "I heard they named two towns after you in the Commonwealth...... Marblehead and Athol."

[@anthonyoer4778]

@@riff2072 Probably heard that joke from Richard Hurtz? The guy from Holden? If not then Ware?

[@JohnSmith-jk8nv]

Nobody cares bro.

[@jameswolf133]

@Martin Riley Ware is another Massachusetts town.

[@anthonyoer4778]

@@martinriley1683 no, it's Ware or Wareham...

[@billmmckelvie5188]

The small knife that is held in the socks is not an Dirk which is about 14 to 18" long, but the Sgian Dubh, pronounced skian doo! It is the only knife with a blade longer than 3" that can be legally worn in the U.K. with the Highland Attire! However I appreciate Mark's gems pulled from obscurity.

[@niallkinsella2687]

Correct about the legal size of the Sgian Dubh, unless the bearer is in the army...

[@burtony3]

Mine has a bine handle. Touch not the cat bot a Glove!

[@thelevelrider64]

Glad I read down the comments a bit... was about to make the same observation. In the Highland Regiments, the actual dirk is worn by officers in Dress Uniform, on the strong side opposite the sword, or in the absence of it. I should also note that the rifles are probably NOT deactivated, as the civilian restrictions on firearms DO NOT APPLY to military weapons kept in arsenal. (Do you think for even half a second that the Black Watch parade with deactivated rifles? Get a grip!)

[@paulvickers3800]

Wish they still kept the 303 for display lot better then the small sa80

[@cairnex4473]

Well if they made you wear soup spoons in your socks in addition to carrying decorative sticks you might realise how emasculated you've all become and actually try to use your costume weaponry...

[@stoneylonesome4062]

Mark, have you ever though about making a video about the assassination attempt on Charles de Gaulle, where he was saved by a Citroën DS, and it’s hydropneumatic suspension.

[@jaythompson5102]

+1 excellent topic idea I had never heard about it till your comment just went on a nice wiki cruise.

[@Senor0Droolcup]

It would indeed make an interesting video. There was also a very detailed article about this in the last issue of Military History magazine. If you haven’t read it and you want to read it, you can probably find it online.

[@Fractal_blip]

That is wild

[@StruanRobertson29]

Ive read that book

[@njs9876]

Great suggestion. I visited the Memorial Charles De Gaulle this year, where you can see the actual car - complete with bullet holes!

[@grayharker6271]

Funny thing, in the late 70s my unit went French commando entrainment outside Trier near Luxembourg. The other unit was a unit of Highlanders. At the end of the course there was a 20 mile force March. When we finished the American army looked like Sgt Saunders squad from the TV show combat, taking a stroll though the country side. The Highlanders were in full kit, kilts pipes and marching like they were on parade for the Queen!

[@Zgreasewood]

And the WWll German army looked good against Russian peasants.

[@maxtrapout669]

Fook the queen 🇮🇪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@justonemori]

@@Zgreasewood Hugo Boss, which is still around, made the SS uniforms!

[@catriona_drummond]

As I recently managed to confirm during a hospital visit, it's all about pride. Pride will make you go on beyond physical limits. And a proper uniform helps. I bet some of the German chaps kept marching even after they were already dead.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

@@catriona_drummond ...or standing watch frozen stiff! Yeah, pride can be a great drive - I am normally not one for hiking, but if I am forced to go, my pride demands that I am up in front of the group!

[@domhunt6488]

Their 6/8 March "The Atholl Highlanders" is a favourite in the pipe band world and is regularly played for returning British troops on their Scottish parades.

[@MyFiddlePlayer]

As a piper, I always thought that the Atholl Highlanders were a pipe band named after a famous regiment; thanks to Mark, I now know that they are the actual famous regiment that has morphed into a pipe band (plus a few extra functions).

[@whirving]

I'm in the (long) process of learning the 12 part version of that tune. A rather old and rare take on a great pipe tune.

[@timothytikker3834]

Yes, recognizing the name of the tune is what motivated to watch this video. I'm an organist who has often accompanied the bagpipes, and have played for Atholl Highlanders many times.

[@weedevil180]

As a wee boy this tune to me was always "Pears, Lemons, Apples and Oranges..Oranges, Apples, Lemons and Pears". I had the honour of two Regimental Pipe Majors duking it out at my 25th birthday party by trying alternately to play it faster than the other.

[@brianrowlands9751]

The march played at 6.28 is "Lady Dorothea Stewart-Murray's Wedding" by Aeneas Rose, usually played turn and turn about with "The Atholl Highlanders", which commences here at 6.50. There is a good view of an officer's dirk at 5.46, hanging from the waist belt on the right hip.

[@swampyankee]

I had the pleasure of seeing them when they visited the States in 1987 or 88. The regiment was put up in private homes and the only single fellow stayed with my brother. Since I was also single at the time I took him out on the town and he had a hard time on parade the next morning. If I remember he had a farm on the Duke's estate. Really a fun group. Also saw the 10th Duke.

[@gordonburns8731]

I know what you mean about deactivation of firearms (being a retired police officer), but this is a standing private army, permitted to exist by the Crown, therefore it's more than likely, that their rifles are not deactivated and capable of discharging live rounds. After all, they are the King's soldiers and at times of war, the Atholl Highlanders will fight, just like the Regiment of Scotland.

[@51WCDodge]

A Home Office registerd shooting club, like the West Athoill one. They have Good reason to pocess a Section 1, or Historic rifles. There are plenty of ways the rifles could be live and legal.

[@moodophile]

@@51WCDodge Indeed, and the secretary of state can basically grant an exemption from holding a section 1, 2 or 5 - it's the legal route by which body guards from various nations can 'carry' in the UK. Think it's also how police firearms officers are permitted to carry firearms but I may be wrong.

[@johnleake5657]

Are they formally the King's soldiers in time of war, though? Aren't they formally Ducal soldiers and only fighting for the King if the Duke so directs? Mark weirdly didn't mention what their status was during the two World Wars, but the men joined Scottish regiments during the two wars, so it didn't exempt them from the King's service.

[@japhfo]

I'd like to see the good gentlemen run a fitness for battle test (That's _Royal_ Regiment of Scotland to you, sirr)

[@Joe-ge4pp]

​@@moodophile Bodyguards from other nations are not granted exemptions, this is a misnomer generated by TV/Film studios. Armed Close Protection for foreign dignitaries in the UK is provided by the Met Police RaSP only, and even then, only when there is an expected threat to life. Take a look at the furore generated by Prince Harry who wanted his US private bodyguards to be armed in the UK, or to pay for RaSP officers, both requests denied.

[@danielomar9712]

Speaking of the first photograph shown , The Sultan of Johore is still allowed an Army , as of current , the Johor has about 400 soldiers , and an elite force of its own

[@TheFadzreeq]

The Johore Military Force (JMF) that you shown earlier still exist till this day. JMF precedes the Malaysian Armed Forces, making it the oldest military forces in Malaysia, belonged only to the state of Johor, serves as the private army for the Johor Sultanate and the Johor royal families. The JMF isn't that big and it only recruits people from the Johor state only. However, JMF has their own Special Forces lead by the Prince of Johor.

[@edithkelly5004]

Mark, thank you for this very informative post. Although my family has now resided in Canada for 5 generations we are descendants of Murrays of Atholl. I am so proud to learn that the Atholl Highlanders still parade.

[@robest334]

0:20 not here in the philippines. Politicians, especially in the provinces, have their own private armies. Their private armies could be ex-police, ex-army, current police, civilian, ex-rebel, rebel, hitman or terrorist.

[@Mirokuofnite]

I hear elections are crazy there.

[@caniconcananas7687]

Those armed groups have been ever used by the Government along units of the Philippine army in any war or even military exercise? I meant during their existence, whatever long it has been. (As this Scottish regiment has a history but it doesn't look like to be ready for any current operation).

[@ahtheh]

This video is based on a very weird British system, where they are too lazy to change the name of private army. If this was any other country they would have to be registered as a security company . Or become an illigal militant group

[@robest334]

@@caniconcananas7687 no. They are used as "real private armies". Just search philippines election massacre. They are used to kill and intimidate political enemies. These politicians are warlords.

[@milferdjones2573]

It labeled last Europe Private Army so no matter Marks comment it got clarified later.

[@Kingston511]

Blair Atholl's grounds are used for the Scout's International Jamborette. A thousand scouts from a dozen or so countries arrive from all across the world and another thousand Scottish scouts set up camp. I have many great memories from that experience including seeing the Atholl Highlanders escort the column of us up to Blair Castle! Muddy Muddy Muddy, Mud Mud Mud!

[@maxreeferr]

This is the coolest thing ever. My family name is Murray and we descended from the Murray’s of Atholl. Thanks a ton Mark!

[@djmech3871]

Maybe your next in line to be the Duke? 😃

[@robertmurray8763]

My Grandfather was born in Scotland. Our family clan is Murray of Atholl

[@ak9989]

No really, probably just a peasant

[@ak9989]

I'm clan O'Neill Erin Go Bragh!

[@rufust.firefly6352]

My mother as well.

[@GM-id9nu]

I have been there and walked down the red carpet surrounded by them. Was part of an award ceremony for my wife. It is an amazing castle to walk around.

[@hammyh1165]

I used to know some guys in the Atholl Highlanders and I used to spend a fair bit of my childhood there , used to meet the 10th Duke quite often when we were playing about the place.

[@SquirrelRIP]

Great content as usual Dr Felton. Thank you.

[@piobmhor8529]

As a piper, I’ve played “Athol Highlanders” many times, but I had no idea who they were. Thanks.

[@douglaswarden2584]

If the rifles are deactivated....what the hell is the point of carrying them? Even the halberds carried by the Papal Swiss Guards, though anachronistic, are at least functional. I think that British law SHOULD make an exception for these Highlanders given their history.

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

I know right?! Pretty emasculating to do that to them.

[@Jeffybonbon]

God Forbid

[@adampeters9861]

@@ragnarragnarsson3128 If the rifles are originals then they would probably be classified as antiques and thus exempt: www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0012021-antique-firearms/circular-0012021-antique-firearms-regulations-2021-and-the-policing-and-crime-act-2017-commencement-no11-and-transitional-provisions-regulations

[@tonylaverick7865]

There's a one word answer to that....bayonet. And if you ever watched Dad's Army, you'd know that the fuzzy-wuzzies don't like it up 'em.

[@tocatcha6969]

Mark "suspected" the rifles were deactivated.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I'm never disappointed with a Mark Felton video.

[@tonylaverick7865]

One error. The dirk is a dagger worn at the waist. The sgian dubh is a small knife tucked into the hose top.

[@rickmoore3730]

I should have checked the comments further . I just posted the same .

[@rikwilliams6352]

Another fascinating video, as a infantry veteran I'm saddened that they are required to shoulder deactivated weapons but I console myself with the idea that the real stuff is tucked away in a safe place & ready for use. Thank you.

[@51WCDodge]

There not. There are a number of ways that those rifles could be legally held on a Section 1 firearms certificate, so functional. Dr Felton is straying from his field of expertise.

[@skwalka6372]

Trump's army, made up of real patriots bear arms that have not been deactivated.

[@johan13135]

@@51WCDodge I don't know their exact cartridge specifications, but as they're pre-1890 rifles, their cartridge would be considered obsolete and the rifle an antic. Which do not require a firearms license

[@DefunctYompelvert]

@@johan13135 Most lee Medford’s are made before 1896. Still possible to shoot modern .303 rounds through them. Many were re barrelled before and after ww1 to accept the new high velocity 174 grain spritzer cartridge that appeared in 1910. I have an 1896 MKI lee enfield which is identical to the lee metford MKII* apart from the barrel and can fire modern ammo fine.

[@51WCDodge]

@@johan13135 Not even that. It is not considierd an obsolete cartridge. Either they can form a shooting club, or join the nearby West Atholl club, and hold individual FAC , as the have 'Good Reason to own a Section 1 . Or the pices can be 'Historic', that held live but you are not allowed under the terms of the certificate to pocess ammunition.

[@pierremainstone-mitchell8290]

Interesting indeed Mark! Years ago I remember a British Army General who, on his retirement, re-enlisted as a Private. I'm wondering if this was the unit he re-enlisted in as I vaguely recall him wearing Highland dress?

[@lib556]

While serving in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, we were always told we were the last privately raised regiment in the Commonwealth. Slightly different situation from what the Athol Highlanders have become, but a good story nonetheless. With world war looming in 1914, a prescient (and rich) Montreal businessman and veteran of the Boer War named Andrew Hamilton Gault, anticipated the need for a rapidly deployable regiment of like veterans to be ready as the vanguard for what became the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He financed the raising of this regiment out of his own funds with the government matching him dollar for dollar. Being combat vets, their training could be short and rapid. It is said that, of the 'originals', every regiment of Britain was represented in their former service (except 1... but the books never name which 1...). At the time the daughter of the Duke of Connaught, Canada's Governor General, was a national sensation. Princess Patricia was the Princess Diana of her era. She even adorned the dollar bill for a year. Following the tradition of Royals being named as Cols in Chief of regiments, Gault requested that she associate her name and image with the new, unorthodox unit. The original name was to be: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Cavalry. The government insisted that cavalry was becoming obsolete and insisted that the regiment be infantry. The word 'light' was retained as it was said to have an irregular 'twang' to it. The Duke's Aide, LCol Farqhuar, was selected to command with Gault as DCO. Since everything was done in a hurry, many colourful steps were taken in solidifying the regiment's identity. There was no time for the creation of proper Colours so Princess Patricia designed and sewed their flag with her personal cipher in the centre of its maroon field. This original Colour (although not official) was carried on the battlefield and is believed to be the last Colour to be present on the modern battlefield. It was nick named the 'Ric a Dam Do' and resides in the museum to this day. Another rush job involved identifying shooulder titles. Their wasn't time to have standard brass ones made so cloth ones were designed and made locally before shipping out. These are distinctive red coloured 'rockers' with the white letters, 'PPCLI' written on them. The Patricias were the first Commonwealth regiment to sport cloth shoulder titles - a practice universally adopted by WW2. True to the plan, the PPCLI was the first Canadian unit sent to France/Belgium, arriving in late 1914. They served in a UK div for at least the first 6 months of the war. As such, they were issued SMLEs and dodged the whole Ross rifle debacle. Unfortunately, the 'originals' ceased to exist after the Battle of Frezenberg (Bellewarde Ridge) on 8 May, 1915. Of the 800+ who went into the line, only 150 were left standing 24 hrs later - commanded by a Lt. Second Battalion, PPCLI was also the first Canadian unit to arrive in the Korean War. They are the only Canadian regiment to be awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation. They earned this for their heroic stand (along with 3 RAR) at the Battle of Kapyong 25 Apr 1951.

[@24358547]

My Regiment the 4RTR were on exercise at BATUS with the PPCLI in the late 70's... great bunch of blokes. Loved our 50 cal. ammo.

[@stratovani]

When I joined the Canadian Forces in 1973 I went to Cornwallis for my basic training, and our platoon commander was a warrant officer and Korean War vet from the PPCLI. Guy was a real hardass, but he got a lot of respect from us kids.

[@filipinorutherford7818]

Battle of Kapyong is a very famous battle in Australia's military history. Its because of this battle that I know of the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry.

[@dougerrohmer]

So you say the originals were all veterans of the Boer War? I presume on the side of the Poms? Now imagine if that little fact pisses off the Boertjie 12th Duke of Atholl, and he marshals his boytjies and comes across the Atlantic to have a word. That would be so cool!

[@dougerrohmer]

@@Beauloqs Actually, it's probably Prisoner of His Majesty and probably spelt POHM, but I don't like that it sounds too much like poem. But where I come from we do not accost sheep, we're more into the oxen that pull our wagons.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Thanks Dr. Mark for this well presented History of the Atholl Highlanders to whom my own Regiment is affiliated. I am proud to say that I served in the Transvaal Scottish Regiment 1st Battalion, in the late 60`s and early 70`s. We proudly wore the Atholl tartan and glengarry, but with Khaki tunic on parade. Never more proudly than upon returning from the war in Angola we received the freedom of the City of Johannesburg. We were marched through its streets by our own pipe band playing the march of the Atholl Highlanders. After the new Republic was formed post 1995 we handed our colours back to the Duke and the Regiment changed its name.

[@likklej8]

Thanks Mark for saying that mercenaries are a business and contract affair. Not many historians would have the pluck to. Working in a car component plant in the late 70s I worked with many veterans of National Service who mentioned this private army I hadn’t realised it was still in existence.

[@kingofcapp]

Explaining where you grew up can be dicey. "The family springs from Atholl, aye since time out o mind" I've heard my grandfather say this on multiple occasions.

[@andydavidson]

I remember going on holiday to Blair Athol in the 70's with my mum and dad, we saw the Athol Highlanders marching, 1st time I saw and heard the pipes and drums, a memory that will last forever.

[@geoffberry5260]

Excellent as usual but for clarification, the 'claymore' is a late middle-age hand-and-a-half sword with a distinctive downward sloping cross-guard and a blade usually in excess of 40inches. Army Officers from Scottish infantry Units (primarily the Royal Regiment of Scotland & the London Scottish) including the Athol Highlanders carry a 'basket hilted broad sword' with a blade usually about 32 inches. The term 'broad sword' is something of a misnomer in modern military usage as the blade is no broader than any other Army Officer's sword.

[@rottieman347]

Just one slight correction to your narrative, The knife worn in the stockings (Hose) is a Sgian Dubh and not a Dirk. The Sgian Dubh is a skinning blade whereas the Dirk is a short fighting sword normally worn around the waist

[@dennislawther1414]

Came here to make exactly the same point.

[@scotttait2197]

Basically Mark Felton is wrong

[@martinharrington6159]

I presume sgian dubh is Gàdhlig? In Irish , Gaeilge, it would be scian dubh which of course translates to black knife. They’re very similar languages but yet so different.

[@japhfo]

@@martinharrington6159 sgian = scian. Who knew?

[@ken-u3n]

The usual clear and concise video from Mark. 👍 Thank you.

[@michaelcerkez3895]

Very nice. Thank you for the education, it's nice to know about the history of ones country.

[@xiaoka]

Happy 2023 Dr Felton!

[@marieravening927]

I attended a state school in South Australia in the 1940's to the early 50's. The school was called Blair Athol Primary School. We never learned why, except that it was in a suburb called Blair Athol.

[@raymondhaskin9449]

Well not surprising considering Australia was established by British people. Everything’s named after places in the motherland.

[@williba24]

My grandfather was the Duke's Electrician and as such was a member of the Highlanders. In WW1 they were merged with the Black Watch and Gramps did his bit in Artillery and driving an ambulance.

[@EdMcF1]

The Duke of Atholl used to be the Lord of the Isle of Man, but sold the rights to it to the British Crown in 1765.

[@schroedingersdog7965]

Thank you! I was wondering why the ensign of the Isle of Man appeared on Atholl's coat of arms.

[@annemadison7258]

Before the Duke of Atholl held the title Lord of Mann, it just to belong to the stanley family until the death of James Stanley, 10th Earl of Derby when the title passed to his first cousin once removed James Murray, 2nd Duke of Atholl.

[@bhut1571]

Gosh, that tune sounds like the one used for our march-pasts in the Perth Regiment of Canada in the 60's.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

As a Highlander, I've known of this private army since my youth, 40+ years ago; growing up in Inverness, (which is to the North of Blair Atholl).

[@TheJollyReiver]

Cheers Mark, enjoyed this one!

[@valentindegen]

Happy New Year, Mark and everyone!

[@dustylover100]

Keep 'em comin' Dr. Mark.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

Hey Mark, I am from Pitlochry Perthshire, seven miles south of Blair Atholl, have many pals in Blair & had great nights there in my youth. I also have had a number of friends who over the years served in the Atholl Highlanders. You'd get a few good drams of Scotch whisky if you squeezed some of these noses 😆Happy New Year Dr Felton & keep up your excellent informative work. 🙏🏻

[@conorshaw5755]

Interesting topic Mark, great stuff !

[@michaelpisani5962]

Another gem of History from Mark. Thank you, Mark.

[@shawngilliland243]

I suppose that an advertisement for the purchase of a small bit of Scotland and thus being permitted to call yourself a Laird would be impertinent in this video.

[@51WCDodge]

there are several ways under United Kingdom law that the Atholl Highlanders could have live firing rifles. The simpliest is that they register as a Shooting Club. then any memeber , or guest, may use the Club's guns. As individuals, a case can be made for 'Good reason' to own a Section 1 firearm. They may also register the rifles as 'Historic' that is a collectors pice, but then you not authorised to buy or posses ammuntion.

[@VinnyUnion]

How annoying, just equip guns and be done with it. Law this law that, loophole here and loophole there. This is obnoxious.

[@51WCDodge]

@@VinnyUnion I'd dissagree. A firearm is potentialy lethal, like a car. We have controls over cars, Wht not firearms. They Laws aren't that onerous if you know the system. It only becomes a pain when Politicians see Firearms as a way to score easy points, as they do with motorists.

[@jimmoynahan9910]

@@51WCDodge Paracatomol is potentially lethal you idiot. What a stupid argument.

[@Fabioperetta]

Great VIDEO Mark Big Hug from Brazil.

[@martinp1544]

I visited the Atholl estate back in 2012 and they told us all about the private army. The Arms room was very cool. It was a great trip!

[@AV-fo5de]

As a student, many years ago, we stayed at Bonskeid House, near Blair Castle, on a field trip. We were allowed to use the Duke's Hunting "ponies" on a day trekking across the grouse moors. My horse, a grey, and huge, was called Blossom, and she was chosen for me, as I was the only one with with previous riding experience. I soon found out why! Everey time we passed a tree, Blossom would attempt to scrape her unwanted rider off the saddle! I shared my packed lunch with her, and after that, we were fine! A few years later, my son almost killed the Duke, as he was practising archery with other children, when His Grace decided to walk across in front of the butts while arrows were being loosed! Luckily, my son saw him and quickly loosed into the ground! Good video!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Super. 2023 is looking good in the history world on youtube thanks to this channel.

[@pittbullking87]

Interesting! I had no idea. I have seen the changing of the palace guard in Monaco although the defense of that small country rests with the French military. The palace guard are called the Comagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, (the Prince's Company of Riflemen in English) and are about the same size as the Atholl Highlanders. Their job is to protect the monarch and the royal palace.

[@Korporaal1]

The difference here is that the Prince of Monaco is the head of state and his Compagnie des Carabiniers is part of the Force Publique, which is (amongst other things) the armed force of the State. So it's not a private army.

[@KincadeCeltoSlav]

The Sock Knife is a Sgian Dhu, "Black Knife", the Dirk is a Long Dagger Worn on the Side.

[@daneast]

"I suspect the unit's weapons are actually deactivated" and here Mark single-handedly castrates an entire army in one fell swoop.

[@quintrankid8045]

What sort of modern army doesn't have fire arms?

[@tonylaverick7865]

They still have their bayonets and, as you may know, the fuzzy-wuzzies don't like it up 'em.

[@51WCDodge]

There are a number of ways under UK law that the Atholl highlanders can pocess live firearms. Dr Felton was excedding his expertise.

[@AV-fo5de]

@@51WCDodge Scots Law has it covered. The legalities in Scotland are separate and different from the rest of UK, and have been throughout history.

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

James Oglethorpe raised a regiment of horsemen in the north of England to protect the new colony of Georgia. Their first action was a snow bound chase across the Pennines to catch the rebel army of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The fought the vanguard at Clifton south of Penrith in December 1745 making it the last pitched battle on English soil.....till that stand off with a Luftwaffe crew in 1940.

[@johnscott959]

The Transvaal Scottish became the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment, and have 3 years to design and implement new regimental insignia. There has been some controversy about this specific change of name, with critics citing the fact that the TRC found Solomon Mahlangu to have been guilty of Gross Human Rights Abuses.

[@Aranubis]

Don't know if this counts as privat army but in Austria the Princely Khevenhüller family has a Honor Guard since 1600 until todsy. And the Habsburg Family still uses the Trabantengarde of St. Veit for ceremonial purpose.

[@PRFDK]

You are good at covering various interesting topics, Mark. To give you a recommendation, try and look into ‘Operation Bøllebank’ which was a fairly large engagement between NATO forces and Serbs during the Balkan wars. Once again, many thanks for your great content!

[@ProWhitaker]

Sounds interesting

[@Del_S]

@@eb4661 That's what it was, "Operation Hooligan Bashing" according to Wikipedia. Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes ambushed by Bosnian Serb forces. And the Serbs did not have a good time when they got shot back at.

[@CoronadoBruin]

I had to refresh my memory on that skirmish. It will take some real detective work to determine what actually happened but the Dansk Haer kicked some ass.

[@sundhaug92]

@@Del_S I'd translate it more like "Bully-bashing", but implication remains

[@ErikssonTord_2]

Been driving past Blair Atholl a few times so this was interesting and informative! A Good and Happy New Year to you, Mark!

[@1701enter]

I lived on the grounds of the castle when we were working on the then "new" A9 A lovely place to visit. BTW A dirk is much too big to fit in a sock! I think you might mean a Sgian Dubh

[@ianmacpheat9064]

It’s also not a basket hilted claymore, it’s a basket hilted broadsword.

[@amaccama3267]

Happy New Years Dr F. Hope you have a great 2023 and keep up the great work 👍 Thanks 🇦🇺

[@andyallan2909]

Very good/interesting post. Some inaccuracies though. A dirk is a kind of very long dagger or a very short, short-sword, and it's not worn in the stocking, its too long. My dirks are around one foot eight inches long. A general-purpose sheathed knife (for want of a better description), is the one often worn in the stocking. It's called a sgian-dubh (sgian means knife, dubh is Gaelic for black) and used for eating, peeling fruit, and as a general purpose cutting tool. Whoever set up the Atholl Highlanders originally, and gave them uniforms, appears to have ignored tradition (just like the British army) by giving them Glengarry's to wear. Traditionally, the Glengarry was the headwear of the Macdonald's of Glengarry and soon became adopted by the other branches and regiments of Clan Donald (Keppoch, Clanrannald, Sleat, etc.). The Balmoral was the normal headwear for almost all the other clans (except some of those who owed allegiance to Clan Donald and also wore the Glengarry).

[@grumbo01]

Again, a wonderful delve into the seemingly obscure. Indeed, a private army but the officers don't carry basket-hilt claymores. The carry basket-hilt broadswords. A claymore is a two-handed sword that could be a tall as a man and could , according to legend, cleave an enemy in two. Keep up the great work.

[@Seatux]

The Johor Miltary Force still exists - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Johor_Military_Force Even got a History Channel documentary about it and all

[@davidnemoseck9007]

Cool info. Thanks for sharing this.

[@phantomstrangermedia]

British Nuclear Fuels was allowed to recruit ‘armed security’ & hired a lot of former paratroopers, marines & special forces. Going to what used to be Winscale Power Station was a very interesting experience.

[@gubgub3275]

No, that's a myth. All guards of civil nuclear stations and plants in the UK are guarded by police

[@51WCDodge]

That is a Police Force, a non Home Office force akin to the Ministry of Defence Police.

[@gbcb8853]

They had two purposes in case of an emergency. One was to keep intruders out. The other was to keep the reactor technicians in.

[@crowbar9566]

not a private army tho

[@Thomas_the_Noble]

I did knew that Middle and Higher Nobility (Royalty) could raise their own army with the permission or the order of the current Monarch, but I am still surprised that this private army even if it's small yet still exist.

[@Egilhelmson]

Queen Victoria gave Atholl the right to have his own army, and when she gives someone a right, the Duke of Atholl damn well has to exercise it. How every expensive it is!

[@martinhogg5337]

Many happy memories of staying at Blair Castle albeit in the adjoining touring caravan site! The castle itself is worth a visit, I remember seeing many old arms and suits of armour there. Thanks for the interesting video!

[@brunotonyoli9408]

Remarkable ending statement mark. Thank you for your time and insight

[@stormwolf8770]

Got this feeling with current events private armies are going to be more commonplace

[@tommyfred6180]

i don't know about now. but as of 2008 the rifles all worked. they also have a supply of ammo and the kit to make more. also as of 2008 all members of the regiment had a minimum of a section 1 firearms license and a shotgun license. also the knife carried is not a dirk but a sgian dubh.

[@TheLocalLt]

Ah you mean “private army” in the sense of “feudal levy”, very cool that one exists! Also interesting that this last unit of its kind defends a dukedom that has no territorial duchy, although they do have the large estate at Blair Castle. Thought this was going to be about contractors, was going to point out Wagner Group is European (even if the majority of Europe is aligned against it), while I’m also fairly sure many British soldiers later become soldiers of fortune so there must be other PMCs in Britain and the rest of Europe.

[@caniconcananas7687]

You're right. It's kinda a feudal levy made amongst the workers of the state inherited for several centuries since the Middle Age. About that "majority of Europe"... I don't think so. Just remember the war in Afghanistan: Bush ordered the invasion some 20 years ago. And the NATO allies (and others) went in. Last year Biden ordered the US Army out of there and, suddenly, no other country, European or not, in NATO or not, found any reason to keep on fighting that war. So if or when, for whatever the reason, Mom goose says I'm out, the little ducklings will follow her out of the pond. We may like it or not. (I definitely don't). But reality is what it is.

[@milferdjones2573]

Wagner Group under control of Russian Government they are only publicly independent so Russia can claim that when Russia deploys them around the world. Their head seams to be aiming for greater role in Russia but they still do whatever Putin wants them to do. They have never really worked for anyone other than Russia no matter their paper employment by Russian Puppets.

[@milferdjones2573]

No levy were raised from a lord’s surfs only for the campaign season season. Normally performed horribly after all to much training they might revolt and only sometimes taken on campaign as they often just got in the way at best. Every Titled Noble also used to have retainers who functioned as their private Army and were the primary effective force as Nobles went to war with the King the King often only having a personal force not much different that their Nobles in size. Over time disliking Nobles being as powerful as they were kings got rid of or in this case made the Noble affiliate the unit with the later raised National Armies. And then these slowly gotten rid of as well especially as Nobles lost fortunes. In original state these Noble forces would be their Knights and Sargent those trained to fight with the Knights not the modern use of the term. These often made up in large of minor nobility generated from non inheriting sons and the cadet branches of Noble houses. This is where Knights came into play they fought for their Noble as in Feudal times there were no National Armies.

[@NaturallyAspirated250]

I tend to agree, a bunch of Scots with rifles is not exactly qn 'army', the Wagner group is more or less a private army these days, they recruit their own and they die in their thousands for their cause.

[@NakedOwl501]

@@NaturallyAspirated250 Their cause: money.

[@Stamboul]

I wonder how much land in Scotland you have to "buy" through Established Titles before you get one of these.

[@sharonrigs7999]

I met the Duke of Atholl late one night in San Francisco. It was pretty loud, but I'm pretty sure that's who he said he was.

[@shaunspies1108]

The Transvaal Scottish officially came to an end, when the name change was made. As an ex 1ST Battalion Jock, that was the best outcome, as the sandf is a disgrace.

[@Hysterically-Inaccurate]

I was on holiday in the highlands in the mid 80s when the Dukes aerobatic display team soared overhead spraying out tartan smoke. I'll never forget when the next day I saw all the pilots at a Ceilidh in the local tavern - man those guys could down a dram! Great memories of great days with some great guys.

[@Stegosaurus12]

Just amazing. Are you still friends to this day?

[@Hysterically-Inaccurate]

@@Stegosaurus12 We certainly are and every year we still meet up at the highland games for a deep fried mars bar and irn bru. Great times.

[@heatherporterfield7343]

That was very interesting. Thank you Dr. Felton.

[@martinp1544]

They have Indian artifacts brought back from America by a Brit Soldier serving there during the American Revolution. Lots of Awesome history!

[@MGMan-ce7sf]

Dammit all Felton! Now you've got me wanting my own private army!!! "Vincent's Own New York City Irregulars" (because nothing in New York is "regular" strictly speaking). Fascinating video, thank you!

[@mtkoslowski]

Damnit Mark are you ever going to run out of incredibly interesting historical facts which you deliciously serve up to entertain and educate us? Thank you from the 🇺🇸

[@rickmoore3730]

Love all your videos . At 6:15 you state the highlanders have a Dirk in their kilt hose . It is actually a Sgian Dubh . A Dirk is worn on the belt and is around 20" in length .

[@markaxworthy2508]

What about the 16-man ceremonial picket of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta? It performs similar ceremonial duties for visiting dignitaries as the Atholl Highlanders. It is based at the Palazzo Malta in Rome and also has its own uniform, ranks and medals.

[@arjenH2Os]

That would be a force of a sovereign entity/state, not a private army

[@markaxworthy2508]

@@arjenH2Os Ahhhh..... but is the Order really a "sovereign state" or is that just a conceit? It has no sovereign territory and no settled population. The Palazzo Malta is only recognized by Italy as an extraterritorial property of the Order, not as a state in its own right, unlike the Vatican City State (which has fifteen of its own extraterritorial properties around Rome).. As a "state" the Order is purely notional. Besides, as we found out recently, the Pope can force the resignation of the Grand Master, so he is clearly not a sovereign head of state or government.

[@baneofbanes]

@@markaxworthy2508 doesn’t make them a private army.

[@markaxworthy2508]

@@baneofbanes Why not? The ceremonial picket aren't a state army and perform a similar ceremonial function to the Atholl Highlanders. If we are honest, the Atholl Highlanders aren't really a private army. They received their colours at the behest of Queen Victoria and have performed no military functions that are not drill since then.

[@sirBrouwer]

@@markaxworthy2508 as the sovereign order is UNrecognized being so. how the ruling of said nation works does not really matter. Andora also does not appoint there own head of state. being it the French president for part of the year or a Spanish bishop for the other part. Still it is UNrecognized. and a state is a state when others recognize it to be a state.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Love this kind of history, filled with messy details and forgotten corners.

[@patrickbonin137]

Happy new year Mark and to your family and thank you for sharing all your research and efforts to bring History a fascinating subject..well done matey.!!

[@RealTechGeek]

Welcome back Mark and Happy New Year!

[@CancerGaming56]

I discovered about this by reading the Lee Metford rifle Wikipedia, wondering why it said that it was still in use.

[@brucelowe3391]

History lives on with Dr. Mark Felton productions.

[@deenloon]

I was always told that the knife in the sock was called a Skean Dhu and the Dirk was a longer blade worn on the belt. Being Scottish myself, I would never dare to correct you, Mark as I'm more than likely wrong and it would embarrass my native credentials but, I'd be interested in any info you may have which would settle the issue in my mind.

[@damionkeeling3103]

You're correct. The dirk was the most important item to the old highlander, it's what they swore their oaths on. It evolved from the standard medieval dagger of the time, the same way the sporran evolved from the standard pouch of the time, the two items just lasted for centuries longer in the highlands than the rest of Britain and Europe. The sgian dubh/skean dhu doesn't seem to have become a thing until 1822 when George IV wore one with his highland attire while visiting Scotland. I assume it's based on something specific given the name but the original was not worn in the sock by the highland warrior class.

[@rickmoore3730]

@@damionkeeling3103 The sgian dubh was kept closely tucked away as self defense and as a utility knife I imagine . It was tucked in the hose as a show of respect when entering a home . That is what I understand . It did become the standard of highland attire because of KG IV and the Victorians as you pointed out .

[@AV-fo5de]

@Tom Thumb And pronounced Skee-an doo.

[@crowbar9566]

Love these videos. It's like your being read an intelligence briefing from the 1940s

[@richardanderson2742]

While Lee-Metford rifles belong in museums along with Brown Bess and similar outdated arms, I would hate to think that a unit that has provided security services in the past, and undoubtedly will in the future, isn’t allowed to have functional modern firearms.

[@damionkeeling3103]

Security services meaning event security. These are very rarely armed, at least in commonwealth nations. More to help find lost children and discourage bad behaviour. In Victoria's time when gun laws were far more relaxed and Lee-Metford was modern, they likely were a truly armed force.

[@andrewthomson]

Mark, have you considered, with your goodly number of loyal subscribers, forming your own private army? Perhaps the "First Felton Fusiliers" or the "Historic Hussars" would be fitting names.

[@SueUTube]

Heck yeah. Let's attack the History Guy.

[@nedludd7622]

The First Felton Four-Flushers?

[@isaiahcampbell488]

Too bad none of us know how to buy land in Scotland... enough one foot by one foot squares and we could build a kingdom large enough to be home to a gas station.

[@bloodybones63]

Since I own a foot of land there, I could be the Duke! Along with all the others, of course.

[@local_authority]

​@@bloodybones63 I challenge you to live on that 1sq foot of land or better yet build something on it

[@ednammansfield8553]

A fascinating piece of history that I wasn't aware of before. Another great video Dr Mark Felton. Happy New Year to you sir.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Flashy, but fashionably better than the Swiss Guard uniforms 👍

[@Nastyswimmer]

6:17 - a dirk is a long knife with a blade typically 12 to 16 inches long. It's worn on a belt at the waist, not in your sock - that's where you put your sgian dubh, which has a blade about 4 inches long

[@tcschenks]

Is there any reason why they’re the only local regiment that didn’t become part of the national standing army?

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

Felton posts, I watch

[@johnrodriguez3870]

The uniqueness of this particular Mark Felton Video emphasizes the divergence and difference not only betwixt and between National Armies and MERC SOF( Mercenary Soldiers Of Fortune), however, and much more importantly, the divergence and difference betwixt and between Mercenaries, " Contract ' Soldiers' "( His Term, NOT Mine!) and Private Armies. 🇺🇸🦅🌎⚓💣💥

[@kevinclift7369]

Deactivated Lee metfords? What a shame and a crime. These types of historical firearms should be exempt from any kind of B.S gun laws. My opinion, of course. 🍁

[@drlaw9312]

Mr Fenton you have forgotten the other last private army - The Swiss Guards paid by the Swiss Federation to protect the Pope - Swiss citizens may not by law be 'Reislaufer' ( serve in foreign services since the end of the 30 year war - many Swiss ignored that due to poverty and a strong arm was the only asset held > See Swiss British Legion 1846 or the two Swiss East Indian regiments who served under a certain Mr Wellesley in India, Egypt, Portugal and Malta ) The Swiss Guards is a private army (143) in a micro state of the Vatican, which in turn is the capital of Italy, Rome - The Swiss Guards are rebuilding the barracks with Chf 55 million raised not by the Vatican, but by Swiss Cantons and Swiss individuals. By the way the uniforms are a 1911 design, and not as many claim from Leonard da Vinci.

[@georgeduncan9443]

nice one Dr F. are you going to continue with the "queens/Kings bodyguards" series ? i found that most interesting indeed !

[@RK-zo9vs]

There was a show about the Dukes. It is quite fascinating because this was a massive dukedom. Sadly the South African dukes who inherited the title were not the children of the duke who owned the estate, with the result that he left them none of his property, he put that in a trust with his daughters as beneficiaries. One can understand why he did that, but it would seem to me to be a pity that he did not leave a small portion of the massive property open for the current Duke to live in, should he wish to remain in Scotland, in fact this could have raised further funds for the trust, dinner with the duke and a tour etc. Perhaps this could still happen in future if the trustees were to get sufficient benefit from having the duke on the estate, which I am sure could be mutually beneficial to both.