Big Picture: A Debt is Honored

Year Published: ca. 1940

Creator: National Archives and Records Administration

Format: 16mm/video file

Description: National Archives and Records Administration ARC Identifier 2569685 / Local Identifier 111-TV-420 Big Picture: A Debt is Honored DVD Copied by Timothy Vollmer. Filmed in Philadelphia, this episode in THE BIG PICTURE series tells the story of an historic incident that took place in 1763 when the forerunners of Philadelphia's 111th Infantry Regiment (Pennsylvania National Guard) were besieged by Indians at Fort Pitt in the midst of the French and Indian War. They were rescued by the tough troops of Britain's Black Watch--the soldiers who, because of their kilts and ferocity, were nicknamed the "ladies from hell" in World War I. Since that time in 1763, the descendants of the 111th and the Black Watch Regiment have maintained a close and friendly association. Each year the 111th in Philadelphia reserves a vacant chair at the table during the annual ceremonial mess. The vacant chair is held in honor of the Black Watch Regiment. A 25-man camera crew from the Army Pictorial Center filmed the many activities that took place in conjunction with the ceremonial mess which was held at the Union League. Coverage was also given to the first professional football game to be played in the U.S. by two teams from across the border in Canada.