The final phase of the 150-year struggle between Britain and France in North America began in 1754. It became clear that large-scale military action in the colonial conflict was needed if Britain was to prevail. This would require sending British regulars to North America.
Authority was granted for the raising of two Highland Battalions, the 1st Highland Battalion of Foot (Montgomery’s Highlanders), and the 2nd Highland Battalion of Foot (Fraser’s Highlanders), for service in the New World. Simon Fraser, the former Master of Lovat, son of the 11th Lord Lovat, who was executed for his part in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-46, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the 2nd Highland Battalion. (The 1st Highland Battalion would be numbered the 62nd Regiment of Foot, and later renumbered upwards as the 77th Regiment of Foot; and the 2nd Highland Battalion would be numbered the 63rd Regiment of Foot, and later renumbered upwards as the 78th Regiment of Foot.)
The 78th assembled at Inverness and was soon recruited to full strength. In fact, when the Regiment embarked at Cork, Ireland, in April 1757, it was accompanied by so many gentleman volunteers (today’s officer cadets), that many had to be either left behind, or transferred to other regiments. Later, three so-called Additional Companies were authorized, intended to offset casualties, desertions, etc. When another Additional Company was later authorized, the Regiment had a formidable strength of 1,542 all ranks.
Regiment assembles at Inverness
The Fort Conestoga Garrison is pleased to announce that after discussions with The Highlanders Museum at Fort George Inverness, the Museum has accepted our offer of the donation of a 78th Fraser Highlanders officer’s scarlets and kit for their permanent display.
With the support of Headquarters Lt. Col. Bruce Bolton, Capt. Athol Hart and Major Earl Chapman, Fort Conestoga Major John Prno, Victoria Garrison Major Norman Pope, Calgary Garrison Lt. Col Jim Osborne, Capt. Rod McLeod, and I have assembled a uniform and kit.
Besides housing the largest collection of military weapons outside of Edinburgh, the Museum showcases the history of the Seaforth Highlanders, The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, the Queen's Own Highlanders, The Highlanders 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Liverpool Scottish and the Lovat Scouts. The 78th Fraser Highlanders have come back to where it all began.
On behalf of all the contributors, we would like to invite all members of the Regiment and milady’s to join us for the Presentation at Fort George on May 30th, 2025 in Inverness, Scotland at The Highlanders Museum.
If you are interested in attending and receiving more information, please respond to me directly at your earliest convenience.
Je Suis Prest
Captain Hugh K. Nicholson, MSMF
Second in Command
289-830-4224
Hughknicholson@gmail.com
Photos of 78th Frasers
