Victorian Scottish Regiment

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=The Victorian Scottish Regiment


caption=Cap badge of 5th Bn, The Victorian Scottish Regiment
dates=1898-1960 and perpetuated by 5/6 Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment
country=Australia
branch=Army
type=Infantry
role=Light Infantry
size=One battalion
command_structure=Royal Australian Infantry Corps
current_commander=
garrison=5th Battalion - Hawthorn and others
ceremonial_chief=HM The Queen
(Australian Infantry Corps)
ceremonial_chief_label=Colonel-in-Chief
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname=
motto=
colors=
colors_label=
identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=Unit Colour Patch
identification_symbol_2= [http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/gordon.htm Gordon]
identification_symbol_2_label=Tartan
march=5th/6th Battalion - "Cock of the North"
mascot=
battles=
notable_commanders=
anniversaries=The Victorian Scottish Regiment was an infantry regiment of the Australian Army, formed in 1898. It continues today as the 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. The regiment was absorbed in 1960 into the 1st Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment, a 'pentropic' battalion that also absorbed these infantry regiments in Victoria:
*The Victorian Scottish Regiment
*The Royal Melbourne Regiment
*The Melbourne Rifles
*The North Western Victorian Regiment
*The Northern Victorian Regiment
*The Hume Regiment

History

Following the representations by members of the local Scottish Community and Caledonian association for several years, the Victorian Scottish Regiment was raised on 29 August 1898, as part of the colony's Victorian Military Forces. Since then the Regiment has survived periodic re-organisations and name changes, but throughout, there has always remained the thread of its Scottish background and history.

During the past 100 years, sevice in the Unit has evolved from that of the original unpaid volunteers, through the universal training and militia scemes between wars, to the post- Second World War CMT and National Service, into the current part-time army model. Our predecessors have seen active service in South Africa and both World Wars as part of the First and Second Australian Imperial Force, and in doing so, have played their part in establishing Australia's fine military heritage. The first battle honour earned by the Australian 5th Battalion, the Victorian Scottish Regiment was landing at Anzac.

Both in peace and in war, Australia's citizen soldiers have become renowned for mate-ship, independence and initiative. Through the good times, and in adversity, the reputation of the Australian "Digger" has endured. Sme suffered privation and hardship, and for too many, the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and loved ones; we should never forget their contribution towards the country in which we live today.

Former members have included premiers, federal ministers, leading businessmen, and other national identities.

Colours Laid up in Scots' Church

In light of the long association between the Victorian Scottish Regiment and Scots' Church, Melbourne the [http://www.geocities.com/lionelboxer/rvrpd/about.html colours reside in the Church] , identified by three plaques. As such, the centennary of the raising of the Victorian Scottish Regiment was marked by a church parade attended by former members of the Regiment and B Compay, 5th/6th Battalion, The Royal Victoria Regiment.

Continuation in B Company 5th/6th Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment

The Victorian Scottish Regiment now composes B Company of 5th/6th Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment and the Pipes and Drums continue the tradition of Scottish Tradition.

Pipes and Drums

Formed in 1899 as part of the Victorian Scottish Regiment, the 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums is now the band for all battalions of the Royal Victoria Regiment.

Alliances

*GBR - once The Gordon Highlanders - then Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) - now Royal Regiment of Scotland
*CAN - The Toronto Scottish Regiment - via Gordon Alliance
*CAN - 48th Highlanders of Canada - via Gordon Alliance
*RSA - Cape Town Highlanders Regiment - via Gordon Alliance

ee also

* 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums
* 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment current embodiment of The Victorian Scottish Regiment
* Australian Army
* Australian Army Reserve
* List of Australian Army Regiments
* Colonial forces of Australia

External links

* [http://www.army.gov.au/hq4bde/index.htm Official website of 4 Brigade]
* [http://intergon.net/rvrpd 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums]