BASRA, Iraq -- The Black Watch was the first of the Scottish Highland regiments, the units famous for their kilts and recruited from the rugged mountains of Scotland. The regiment's name stems from the dark tartan it wears.

Corp. Alex Wilson, 27, from Dunfermline, Scotland, said the battalion was excited at being the first British troops into the so-called Sunni Triangle, where hundreds of American servicemen have been killed.

The regiment was led into their final Sunday service before departure by bagpipes and drums playing the traditional Scottish song "Blue Bonnets Over the Border."

The troops' self-assurance was more than matched by their commanding officer, Lt. Col. James Cowan.

"There's been much sensationalist talk about the threat we will face," he said. "Frankly, this regiment beat Napoleon, beat the Kaiser and beat Hitler.

"For the Jocks of the Black Watch this is just the latest chapter in our history and another job to be done."