The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Flags of Our Fighting Army, by Stanley C. Johnson

Very little has been written in the past dealing with the subject of the standards, guidons, colours, etc., of the British Army. Scattered amongst Regimental histories, biographies of illustrious soldiers, and military periodicals, a fair amount of information may be discovered, but it is, of necessity, disjointed and difficult of viewing in proper perspective. Many years ago, a capital book was written by the late Mr. S. M. Milne, entitled “Standards and Colours of the British Army.” Unfortunately, this work was published privately and, accordingly, did not receive the full measure of appreciation which it merited.

Students of Army Flags should consult this book whenever possible; also “Ranks and Badges of the Army and Navy,” by Mr. O. L. Perry; and the articles which appeared in The Regiment during the latter weeks of 1916. Messrs. Gale & Polden’s folders dealing with Army Flags are also instructive.

The author wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Mr. Milne, Mr. O. L. Perry, and the Editor of The Regiment. He is also very grateful for the assistance extended to him by Lieutenant J. Harold Watkins and Lieutenant C. H. Hastings, Officers in charge of the Canadian War Records.

Chapter		Page

I.—	Introduction	1

II.—	A History of Military Colours	6

III.—	Standards, Guidons and Drum Banners of the Household Cavalry, Dragoon Guards and Cavalry of the Line	36

IV.—	Yeomanry Guidons and Drum Banners	47

V.—	The Colours of the Foot Guards	54

VI.—	The Colours of the Infantry	64

VII.—	Colours of Our Overseas Dominions	115

VIII.—	Miscellaneous Colours	121

IX.—	Battle Honours	124

Appendix.—	Regimental Colours of Canadian Infantry Battalions	139

Index		147

Ever since the time when the Romans went into battle, inspired by the vexillum or labarum, military flags or colours have commanded a respect bordering almost on the sacred. Our own history is crowded with incidents which go to prove this contention. Who is there, for instance, who has not heard of the gallant deeds of Melvill and Coghill, two heroes who lost their lives in an endeavour to preserve the Queen’s colour after the disastrous Zulu encounter at Isandlwana? Or let us take the case of Lieutenant Anstruther, a youngster of eighteen, in the Welsh Fusiliers. In defending the colour he carried up the treacherous heights of the Alma, a shot laid him low, and eager hands snatched up the 2emblem without a moment’s hesitation lest it should fall into the possession of the enemy. No one thought of the danger which might overtake them whilst guarding the cherished but conspicuous banner; all were resolved to perish rather than it should be wrested from their grasp. And, let it be said, five men won the Victoria Cross that day at the Alma for their gallant defence of the colours. At the battle of Albuhera, in 1811, a colour of the 3rd Buffs was carried by Ensign Thomas. The French attacked in great force, and, surrounding Thomas, called upon him to give up the silken banner. Thomas’s answer was discourteous, but to the point; a moment later he lay dead, and the French bore away the flag with triumph. To the credit of the Buffs, we must add that the emblem was back in their possession before nightfall. These are just a few cases in which men have been ready, and even eager, to make the great sacrifice rather than lose their colours. They could be readily multiplied a hundredfold.

Fortunately, we have now reached an age when valuable lives can be no longer spent in defending military flags against the onslaughts of enemy rivals, for, to-day, there is a rule in our army regulations which forbids the taking of colours into the field of action. Before setting out to meet the foe, they are placed in safe keeping, and the rites which attend this ceremony partake of the utmost solemnity.

If military flags, which comprise the standards, guidons and drum banners of the cavalry, and also the colours of the infantry, have been reverenced in war, they are equally respected in peace time. They may never be sent from place to place without a properly constituted escort, which “will 3pay them the customary honours,” and an army regulation says that “standards, guidons, and colours when uncased are, at all times, to be saluted with the highest honours, viz., arms presented, trumpets or bugles sounding the salute, drums beating a ruffle.” When new colours are taken into service their reception is impressively conducted, and the old ones are trooped before being cased and taken to the rear.

The following miscellaneous instructions are given in the King’s Regulations with respect to military flags in general:—

“Standards and guidons of cavalry will be carried by squadron serjeant-majors. Colours of infantry will be carried by two senior second-lieutenants, but on the line of march all subaltern officers will carry them in turn.

“Standards, guidons and colours are not to be altered without the King’s special permission signified through the Army Council.

“The consecration of colours will be performed by chaplains to the forces, acting chaplains, or officiating clergymen in accordance with an authorised Form of Prayer.

“The standard of cavalry, or the King’s colour of battalions of infantry, is not to be carried by any guard or trooped, except in the case of a guard mounted over the King, the Queen, and Queen Mother, or any member of the Royal Family, or over a Viceroy, and is only to be used at guard mounting, or other ceremonials, when a member of the Royal Family or a Viceroy is present, and on occasions when the National Anthem is appointed 4to be played; at all other times it is to remain with the regiment. The King’s colour will be lowered to the King, the Queen, the Queen Mother, and members of the Royal Family, the Crown, and Viceroys only.”

“The colours of the brigade will be lowered to His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, the Queen Mother, members of the Royal Family, the Crown, Foreign Crowned Heads, Presidents of Republican States, and members of Foreign Royal Families.

“The King’s colour is never to be carried by any guard except that which mounts upon the person of His Majesty the King, or Her Majesty the Queen, or the Queen Mother.

“The regimental colours will only be lowered to a field marshal, who is not a member of the Royal Family, when he is colonel of the regiment to which the colour belongs.

“A battalion with uncased colours meeting the King’s Life Guards or King’s Guard, will pass on with sloped arms, paying the compliment ‘eyes right’ or ‘eyes left’ as required.

“A battalion with cased colours or without colours, or a detachment, guard, or relief, meeting the King’s Life Guard or the King’s Guard with uncased standard or colour, will be ordered to halt, turn in the required direction, and present arms; but will pass on with sloped arms, paying the compliment of ‘eyes right’ or ‘eyes left’ as required, if the standard or 5colour of the King’s Life Guard or King’s Guard is cased.”

Two regulations which affect the whole of the Army may well be given in conclusion:—

“Officers or soldiers passing troops with uncased colours will salute the colours and the C.O. (if senior).

“Officers, soldiers, and colours, passing a military funeral, will salute the body.”

In the period 1633-1680, the first five infantry regiments, as we know them to-day, were established, and this may be taken as a convenient point from which to begin a study of the standards and colours of our Army. Before this time the military forces of England and Scotland went into battle with a full array of waving emblems, decorated with rampant lions, powdered leopards, spread eagles, and other gaudily-painted devices, but these were usually the symbols of the knights and patrons who raised the forces. Such flags possessed much heraldic or archæological interest, but few claims on the student of military lore, and may be thus set aside with the reminder that, if knowledge of them is required, it may be gained from such sources as the roll of Karlaverok.

The first real military flags of which we have definite records were those used in the Civil Wars. The cavalry possessed standards revealing all manner of decorative symbols with mottoes telling of their leader’s faith in God, their hatred for the enemy, and the trust which they placed in Providence. The infantry forces bore colours devised with more regularity of purpose. Each colonel flew a plain white, red or other coloured flag; lieutenant-colonels were known by a flag bearing a small 7St. George’s Cross in the upper left-hand canton; whilst other officers possessed flags similar to those of the lieutenant-colonels but bearing one, two, three, or more additional devices, according to rank, such devices being lozenges, pile-wavys (i.e., tongues of flame), talbots, etc., usually placed close up to the head of the staff.

At this period Scottish forces favoured flags bearing a large St. Andrew’s Cross, in the upper triangle of which a Roman numeral was placed to denote the owner’s rank.

In 1661, under the date of February 13th, what was probably the first royal warrant to control regimental colours, was issued by the Earl of Sandwich, Master of the Great Wardrobe. It ran:

“Our Will and pleasure is, and we do hereby require you forthwith to cause to be made and provided, twelve colours or ensigns for our Regiment of Foot Guards, of white and red taffeta, of the usual largeness, with stands, heads, and tassels, each of which to have such distinctions of some of our Royal Badges, painted in oil, as our trusty and well-beloved servant, Sir Edward Walker, Knight, Garter Principal King-at-Arms, shall direct.”

This warrant is of much interest; it tells us that the early standards were painted and not embroidered; that they were made of white or red material—white was a sign of superiority, whilst red pointed to extravagance, as it was more costly than blue, yellow, etc.; and it told us that the Guards were to display the Royal badges, which they do to this day. (All these badges are dealt with in a separate chapter.)

8In later years, the small St. George’s Cross which, as we said above, figured in the upper corner of the flag, gained more prominence and filled the whole of the fabric. This may be considered the second period in the history of regimental colours. The reader will readily see that this change in English flags was brought about by contact with the Scottish regiments which had flown for many years previously their colours bearing large crosses of St. Andrew.

An interesting flag of this period is that of the Coldstream Regiment (date about 1680). A drawing of it may be seen in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. The groundwork of blue taffeta is quite plain for the colonel. The lieutenant-colonel’s banner is blue, with a large St. George’s Cross, edged with white; whilst the major flew a similar banner, to which was added a white pile-wavy issuing from the top left-hand corner. The captains’ banners are like that of the major, but bear a distinguishing Roman numeral to show seniority of rank.

In piecing together the history of the early Army flags, a certain Nathan Brooks has given us much valuable assistance. He went to Putney Heath on October 1st, 1684, to see the King review the troops, and was wise enough to write down a description of the colours which figured in the function. Probably no better account of the flags of this period is still available. Here it is:—^[1]

“The King’s Own Troop of Horse Guards and Troop of Grenadiers.—The standard, crimson with the royal cypher and crown; the guidon, differenced only from the standard by being rounded and slit at the ends.

9“The Queen’s Troop of His Majesty’s Horse Guards and Troop of Grenadiers.—The standard and guidon as the King’s.

“The Duke’s Troop of His Majesty’s Horse Guards and Troop of Grenadiers.—The standard and guidon of yellow damask, with His Royal Highness’s cypher and coronet.

“The Regiment of the Horse Guards (now the Royal Horse Guards, the Blues), eight troops.—The standard of the King’s troop, crimson, with the imperial crown, embroidered; the colonel’s colour flies the royal cypher on crimson; the major’s, gold streams on crimson; the first troop, the rose crowned; the second, a thistle crowned; the third, the flower de luce, crowned; the fourth, the harp and crown; the fifth, the royal oak; all embroidered upon the crimson colours.

“The King’s Own Royal Regiment of Dragoons, commanded by John, Lord Churchill.—The colours to each troop thus distinguished: the colonel’s, the royal cypher and crown embroidered upon crimson; the lieutenant-colonel’s, the rays of the sun, proper, crowned, issuing out of a cloud, proper, and is a badge of the Black Prince’s. The first troop has, for colours, the top of a beacon, crowned or, with flames of fire proper, and is a badge of Henry V. The second troop, two ostrich’s feathers crowned argent, a badge of Henry VI. The third, a rose and pomegranate impaled, leaves and stalk vert, a badge of Henry VIII. Fourth troop, a phœnix in flames, proper, a badge of Queen Elizabeth; each embroidered upon crimson.

10“First Regiment of Foot Guards (of twenty-four companies).—The King’s company, standard all crimson, cypher and crown embroidered in gold; the colonel’s white with the red cross (St. George’s), the crown or: the lieutenant-colonel’s, the same cross, with C.R. crowned or: the major’s, C.R. and crown, with a blaze crimson (i.e., a flame issuing from the top left-hand corner of the flag); the first company, with the King’s crest, which is a lion passant guardant crowned or, standing on a crown. (Brooks then gives the remaining company badges which are set out in full later.)

“Colestream or Cauldstream Regiment of Foot Guards.—This regiment flyes the St. George’s Cross, bordered with white in a blew field (cf. above).

“The Royal Regiment of Foot, commanded by the Earl of Dumbarton, flyes a St. Andrew’s Cross, with a thistle and crown circumscribed in the centre, ‘Nemo me impune lacessit.’

“The Queen’s Regiment of Foot, commanded by the Hon. Piercy Kirk, flyes a red cross bordered with white and rays as the admirals (see below), in a green field, with Her Majesty’s royal cypher in the centre.

“The Duke of Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot.—The Admiral flyes the red cross, with rays of the sun issuing from each angle of the cross, or.

“The Holland Regiment of Foot (afterwards the 3rd Buffs) flyes the red cross bordered white in a green field.

“Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of York and Albany’s Regiment of Foot (4th King’s Own) flies a 11red cross in a yellow field, bordered white, with rays, as that of the Admiral’s, with H.R.Highness’s cypher in the centre.”

Having completed the quotation from Brooks, we are able to give an extract from an old M.S., which is interesting when read in conjunction with the above descriptions of Army flags:—

“The imbroidered cypher and crowne on both sides Ye King’s owne colours, £3 . 10 . 0.

“For painting and guilding ye other 23 colours and crownes on both sides one with another at 15s. a side, £34 . 10 . 0.”

Clearly this extract refers to the First Regiment of Foot Guards, and shows that the King’s colours were embroidered, whilst the Company colours were merely painted. Before this time, we know that most flags were painted and, afterwards, that the tendency was for them to be embroidered. It seems fair, then, to infer from this that when the King reviewed his troops at Putney Heath, the period was one of transition from painted to embroidered decoration.

Passing on to the reign of King James II., it seems that he evolved many changes which were but little appreciated in the military quarters in those days. An authority of the time, named Sandford, who wrote a book entitled, “A History of the Coronation,” describes some of the Army flags as follows:—

“1st or King’s Guards.—The standard of the King’s Own Company was of crimson silk, embroidered in the centre with the royal cypher, J.R., ensigned with 12(i.e., having above it) an imperial crown in gold. The colonel’s, also of crimson silk, was not charged with any distinction or device. The lieutenant-colonel’s colour was of white silk with the cross of St. George throughout (i.e., covering the flag) of crimson silk, in the middle of which was painted an imperial crown in gold. The major’s colour was distinguished by a pile-wavy of crimson silk issuing out of the dexter chief of the first quarter (i.e., the corner of the flag nearest to the top of the staff), and an imperial crown of gold in the centre of the cross. The eldest captain’s colour was distinguished by one of the King’s cyphers, viz., J.R., interlaced, and an imperial crown painted in the middle of the cross, of gold; the second captain was differenced by two royal cyphers and crowns in the cross; the third, by three; the fourth, by four; and so on every captain to the twentieth who had his cross charged with twenty cyphers and crowns. And thus they appeared at James’s coronation.

“Coldstream Guards.—His Majesty did then also direct that the alterations following should be made in the ensigns of this his second regiment of Foot Guards, that they might be more agreeable to the colours of the first regiment; for, excepting the colonel’s ensign, which was purely of white taffeta, the other eleven were charged with crosses of crimson taffeta throughout. The lieutenant-colonel’s, without distinction. The major’s had a pile-wavy. The cross of the eldest captain was charged on the centre with the figure I. in white, ensigned with an imperial crown of gold painted thereon; the second with II., the third with III., the fourth, IV., 13and so forward to the ninth captain who was distinguished by IX., each of them under an imperial crown of gold. And thus did these ensigns fly at the coronation.”

With the help of Sandford’s description, and a series of coloured plates, which may be seen in the library at Windsor, we are able to get a very correct impression of the Army colours of this period. Generally speaking, they were remarkable for their brilliant colouring, their fanciful fabric, their lack of similarity one with another, and their show of private as opposed to royal badges. In this latter connection, the colours of James showed a clear harking back to the pre-Reformation days. Our first figure, on Plate I., reveals an attractive colour of the period; it represents the standard of the Second Troop of Horse Guards, date about 1687. The angels which support the large central crown were taken from a popular French device, whilst the three small crowns placed near the lower edge, refer to the King’s claim to the crowns of England, Ireland and France. The central cypher, it may be well to point out, is not F.R. but J.R. The second illustration reveals the Earl of Shrewsbury’s rampant lion on a yellow field. There is a difference of opinion as to whether the background should not be lightish buff, but the Windsor plates certainly favour the colour as given in Fig. 2. The flag is the colonel’s standard of Shrewsbury’s Regiment of Horse (now the 5th Dragoon Guards).

We have hinted that this was an era of much decoration, but to this rule there is one outstanding exception—we refer to the Scots Guards. In this case, the colonel’s colour was plain white, a favourite flag of 14earlier times. The lieutenant-colonel’s was the national flag of Scotland, a white St. Andrew’s Cross on a blue field. The major’s was the same, but with a pile-wavy issuing from the upper corner of the cross, and the captain’s as the lieutenant-colonel’s, but with a silver numeral placed on the uppermost blue triangle. All were provided with silver and blue tassels, and a silver spear surmounted the pole, emblems which served to distinguish the flags of the Scots Guards from the national flags which were current at that time.

From the end of the reign of James II. to 1707, when England and Scotland formed a legislative union, we can trace but little in the progress of military colours. The Union, however, came and left a very clear impress on the banners of the time. Wherever the red cross of St. George had been used, it was modified with the white cross of St. Andrew, together with its distinctive blue triangular fields. As a rule, the authorities favoured the use of small crosses, placed in the upper canton, rather than large ones covering the whole fabric, for this enabled a fairly big portion of the flag to be used for displaying the arms of each particular military unit. A typical example of this period is shown in Fig. 5. Here we have the colonel’s colour of General Grove’s Regiment, afterwards the 10th Foot (now the Lincolnshire Regiment). The talbot, the motto, and the ermine representations were all features in the crest borne by General Grove. The date of this flag is 1726. Fig. 6, which shows the colours of the 27th or Inniskilling Regiment, is also typical. Its date may be put down at about 1747.

15The union did not appear on the infantry colours alone, during this period; it also figured, but to a lesser extent, in the cavalry standards, as may be noted from the following interesting quotation from Milne.^[2]

“Very little is known about cavalry standards from the time of James II. until the middle of the next century; no drawings or evidence of any kind seem forthcoming. One solitary specimen has been preserved, however, and that of great interest, namely, the Dettingen standard of the old 8th, subsequently 4th Horse (afterwards 7th Dragoon Guards).

“A record of this regiment gives a very full and detailed account of its bravery at Dettingen, under the command of its well-known colonel, Major-General John Ligonier, who was created a knight-banneret on the field of battle by the King (George II.) in person, and further proceeds to relate that Cornet Richardson, carrying a standard, was surrounded by the enemy and, refusing to surrender, received upwards of thirty sabre cuts in his body and through his clothes. His standard and standard lance were also damaged but he brought his precious charge out of action.

“During the winter the standards, so much damaged in the battle as to be unfit for use, were replaced by new ones from England, and each cornet was presented with the one he had carried, as a testimony to his good conduct. That presented to Cornet Richardson is still carefully preserved by his descendant and representative.

“It is made of crimson silk brocade, about twenty-four inches square, edged with gold and silver fringe, with a 16small union, three inches square, in the upper corner; one side, the obverse, presents the crest and motto of the colonel, General Ligonier (a demi lion issuing out of a ducal coronet) with his motto, “Quo fata vocant,” on a scroll above; the reverse gives his full coat of arms, crest, shield and motto, surrounded with a handsome trophy of standards, trumpets, and implements of war, all finely worked in gold embroidery.”

The feature of providing each side of the standard with a different pattern, mentioned above, was unusual.

So far we have seen that with but one or two exceptions, no restrictions were put upon the regimental authorities in designing their own colours. Each unit was free to select its devices at will, and choose whatever colouring seemed to fit its banners most. In 1743, however, a Royal Warrant was issued which checked this freedom of design. It ran:—

“The Union colour is the first stand of colours in all regiments, royal or not, except the Foot Guards. With them the King’s Standard is the first as a particular distinction.

“No colonel to put his arms, crest, device, or livery in any part of the appointments of his regiment.

“The first colour of every marching regiment of foot is to be the great Union; the second colour is to be the colour of the facing of the regiment, with the Union in the upper canton; except those regiments faced with white or red, whose second colour is to be the Red Cross of St. George, in a white field and a Union in the upper canton. In the centre of each colour is to be painted, in gold Roman figures, the number of the rank of the 17regiments, within a wreath of roses and thistles on one stalk, except those regiments which are allowed to wear royal devices or antient badges; the number of their rank is to be painted towards the upper corner. The length of the pike and colours to be the same size as those of the Foot Guards; the cord and tassels of all colours to be crimson and gold.

“All the Royal Regiments, the Fusilier and the Marine Regiments, the Old Buffs, the 5th and 6th Regiments, the 8th or King’s Regiment, and the 27th or Inniskilling Regiment are distinguished by particular devices, and therefore, not subject to the preceding articles for colours.

“The Standards and Guidons of the Dragoon Guards, and the Standards of the Regimental Horse, to be of Damask, embroidered and fringed with Gold or Silver. The Guidons of the Regiments of Dragoons to be of Silk. The Tassels and Cords of the whole to be of Crimson Silk and Gold mixed. The size of the Guidons and Standards, and the length of the Lance to be the same as those of the Horse and Horse Grenadier Guards.

“The King’s or first Standard and Guidon of each Regiment to be Crimson, with the Rose and Thistle, conjoined, and Crown over them, in the Centre: His Majesty’s Motto, ‘Dieu et mon Droit,’ underneath. The White Horse in a Compartment in the first and fourth corners; and the Rank of the Regiment in Gold or Silver Characters on a Ground of the same Colour as the Facing of the Regiment in a Compartment in the second and third Corners.

“The second and third Standard and Guidon of each Corps to be of the Colour of the Facing of the Regiment, 18with the Badge of the Regiment in the centre, or the Rank of the Regiment in Gold or Silver Roman characters, on a crimson ground, within a Wreath of Roses and Thistles on the same stalk, the Motto of the Regiment underneath. The White Horse, on a red ground to be in the first and fourth Compartments; and the Rose and Thistle conjoined upon a red Ground in the second and third Compartments. The distinction of the third Standard or Guidon to be a figure 3 on a circular ground of Red underneath the Motto. Those Corps which have any particular badge are to carry it in the centre of their second and third Standard or Guidon, with the Rank of the Regiment on a red ground within a small Wreath of Roses and Thistles in the second and third corner.”

This warrant is remarkable from the fact that it swept aside many customs which had taken years, even centuries in some cases, to mature, and instituted new ones which, with slight modifications, have remained till to-day. The details set out for the Dragoon Guards are particularly elaborate, so much so that few people seem to know just what to make of them. Milne says that the Dragoon regulations did not come into use very rapidly because they were not understood. To support this contention, he quotes the following Annual Inspection Returns. “1st Dragoon Guards. Shrewsbury, November 5th, 1750. The inspecting officer reports Standards received in 1740, and in bad condition, the regiment waiting for a pattern from His Royal Highness the Duke.” Again, 6th Dragoons. Ipswich, November 22nd, 1750: “Waiting for a pattern from His Royal Highness the Duke.” Evidently, says Milne, it was 19found difficult to work from the printed details, and there appears to have been delay in settling the precise form the numerous badges should take until the commander-in-chief had sanctioned a pattern standard. When the patterns were decided upon they were practically identical to those in use to-day, and far more elaborate than those they displaced, as a reference to Figs. 3 and 4 will show. In these figures, two forms of the standard of the 2nd Dragoon Guards of 1742 are given.

The 1743 warrant gave rise to much uncertainty, even outside the section which referred to the Dragoon Guards, and, consequently, it is not surprising to find that many official orders and “letters” were issued giving advice and information telling how the various regulations were to be carried out. One such document determined the measurements of the Army Union flag, which were, of course, not those of the national Union flag. The horizontal edge was given as 6 ft. 6 ins., the vertical edge, 6 ft. 2 ins.; the width of the St. George’s Cross, 1 ft. 1 in.; the width of the white edging to the St. George’s Cross, 5 ins.; the width of the St. Andrew’s Cross, 9 ins. (The diagonal red cross of St. Patrick did not then form part of the Union). Also, the length of the pike was 9 ft. 10 ins.; the length of the cords with tassels, 3 ft.; each tassel was 4 ins.; and the length of the spear-head of the pike, 4 ins.

The idea of controlling the regimental colours by the higher authorities seems to have found favour and, as a result, further regulations were issued in a supplementary warrant in 1747.^[3] Colonel Napier, who was responsible 20for this document, decided upon the following particulars:—

First Regiment or the Royal Regiment.—In the centre of all their colours, the King’s Cipher ^[4] within the circle of St. Andrew and Crown over it; in the three corners of the second colour (i.e., the regimental colour), the Thistle and Crown. The distinction of the colours of the 2nd battalion is a flaming ray of gold descending from the upper corner of each colour towards the centre.

Second or the Queen’s Royal Regiment.—In the centre of each colour, the Queen’s Cipher, on a red ground, within the Garter and Crown over it; in the three corners of the second colour the Lamb, being the ancient badge of the regiment.

Third Regiment or the Buffs.—In the centre of both their colours, the Dragon, being their ancient badge, and the Rose and Crown in the three corners of their second colour.

Fourth, or the King’s Own Royal Regiment.—In the centre of both their colours, the King’s Cipher on a red ground, within the Garter, and Crown over it; in the three corners of their second colour the Lion of England, being their ancient badge.

Fifth Regiment.—In the centre of their two colours, St. George killing the Dragon, being their ancient badge, and in the three corners of their two colours, the Rose and Crown.

Sixth Regiment.—In the centre of their two colours, 21the Antelope, being their ancient badge, and in the three corners of their second colour, the Rose and Crown.

Seventh, or the Royal Fusiliers.—In the centre of their two colours, the Rose within the Garter and the Crown over it; the White Horse in the corners of the second colour.

Eighth, or the King’s Regiment.—In the centre of both their colours, the White Horse on a red ground, within the Garter and Crown over it; in the three corners of the second colour the King’s Cipher and Crown.

Eighteenth Regiment or the Royal Irish.—In the centre of both their colours, the Harp in a blue field, and the Crown over it, and in the three corners of their second colour, the Lion of Nassau—King William the Third’s arms.

Twenty-first, or the Royal North British Fusiliers.—In the centre of their colours, the Thistle within the circle of St. Andrew and Crown over it, and in the three corners of the second colour, the King’s Cipher and Crown.

Twenty-third, or the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.—In the centre of their colours, the device of the Prince of Wales, viz., three feathers issuing out of the Prince’s coronet; in the three corners of the second colour, the badges of Edward the Black Prince, viz., a Rising Sun, a Red Dragon, and the Three Feathers in the coronet; motto, “Ich Dien.”

Twenty-seventh, or the Inniskilling Regiment.—Allowed to wear in the centre of their colours a Castle 22with three turrets, from the middle one of which flies a St. George’s Cross, all on a blue field, and the name ‘Inniskilling’ above. (See Fig. 6).

Forty-first Regiment, or the Invalids.—In the centre of their colours, the Rose and Thistle, on a red ground, within the Garter; a Crown above. In the three corners of the second colour, the King’s Cipher and Crown.

Of the period beginning with the year 1751, Milne writes as follows:^[5] “An entirely new era is now being entered upon; a complete break has taken place in the continuity of the colours of the British infantry; the colonel’s and lieutenant-colonel’s flags have disappeared ^[6], together with their gaudy and ever varying private armorial devices, distinctive perhaps to the educated, but to the unlettered rank and file emblematical of but little.

“In their place, boldly and resolutely stands the regimental number, simple in form, easily recognised, easily remembered, forming a rallying point in the minds of soldiers, which, as decade after decade passed away, became indissolubly connected with some glorious deed, in its turn becoming a matter of history, adding lustre to the regimental number, and so, gradually, but surely, building up that wonderful esprit de corps which has stood the nation in good stead on so many occasions.

“Extremely plain at first, only the number within its flowery surroundings, the flowers will be observed to 23become more ornate; tokens of honour, the remembrance of some gallant action or campaign, added from time to time, and ultimately the names of victories duly and discreetly authorised to be emblazoned: and all surrounding and centreing upon the old regimental number, ever enhancing its value in the eyes of those who had the honour of serving under it.”

The American War of Independence, as the reader may justly suppose, marks another period in the history of military flags. In those days it was customary, though not the immutable rule, to carry these emblems into the line of battle, and as this period of fighting brought us many reverses the effect on the colours was often disastrous. Many were taken by the enemy, many more were worn to shreds, and a few were hidden and lost. It is forgotten by some of us that American raiders infested our shores and sank numbers of British vessels. The toll of ships led, at times, to the loss of colours. Here is a case in point.

Report of an Inspection of the 81st Aberdeenshire Highlanders, at Kinsale. “Colours wanting; were taken on passage from England to Ireland by an American privateer. A new stand making in Dublin.”

As a result of all these happenings, many regiments will be found to have had new colours at some time during the period 1776-83.

Continuing our history, we find that the next step to note concerns the placing of battle honours on military flags. The first of these distinctions was “Emsdorf,” and was given to the 15th Light Dragoons in 1768. Ten 24years later, the second distinction, “Gibraltar,” was awarded to a quartette of regiments. It was the King’s appreciation of the forces which withstood the fierce siege with “red-hot potatoes” under the command of General Eliot, afterwards Lord Heathfield. The official intimation of this grant is worth quoting in extenso.

“April 28th, 1784. I seize the opportunity to acquaint you further that His Majesty has been graciously pleased in commemoration of the glorious defence made by those regiments which comprised the garrison of Gibraltar during the late memorable siege of that important fortress to permit the 12th, 39th, 56th, 58th Regiments which made a part of it, to have the word ‘Gibraltar’ placed upon their grenadier and light infantry caps, their accoutrements and drums, as likewise upon the second colour of each of those regiments, just underneath their respective numbers.

It will be noticed that the distinction was to be fixed to the second or regimental colour, and not to that of the King’s—a rule which holds till this day, with but a few exceptions.

The Act of Union, which linked together the parliaments of England and Ireland in 1801, had a considerable but obvious influence on the objects of this study. Hardly was there a flag in the whole of the Army which did not become obsolete by this union. Many of them were retired, and fresh ones provided, but the general plan was to modify the existing specimens. This was done by sewing red strips along the white limbs of the St. 25Andrew’s Cross to provide for the St. Patrick’s Cross, and by adding shamrocks to the wreath of leaves and flowers which encircled the regimental badge. Milne says that the intrusion of the shamrock was in all cases manifest, so that examples of this date may be recognised with ease.

It is worth mentioning that colours are often modified or altered to keep abreast with changing circumstances; new ones are not always provided the moment they become obsolete in one or more small particulars. The same writer from whom we just quoted describes the changes which the standard of the Coldstream Guards underwent during a period of some sixteen years. “When originally made, ... the central garter star (i.e., the regimental badge) and the wreath richly embroidered in gold bullion, but without the shamrock, and possibly the crown, were all that appeared on the plain crimson silk ground. The union with Ireland, 1801, necessitated the introduction of the shamrocks ... they have been squeezed into places when scarcely room could be found for them. ‘Egypt’ and the ‘Sphinx’ having been authorised, they would probably be added at the same time, ‘Egypt’ on a blue silk label, immediately under the wreath, the ‘Sphinx’ within a laurel wreath of gold embroidery, in all the four corners. The standard continued in this state until 1814, when the honours, ‘Lincelles, Talavera, Barrosa,’ were authorised to be used by the regiment. Consequently, they were added in gold twist letters, on the crimson ground. Two more honours, ‘Peninsula and Waterloo,’ were further authorised in 1815-16, and added soon after on crimson silk (some trouble must have been occasioned 26in fitting the two last into their places, so little room being left).”^[7]

As time made the warrants of 1743 and 1747 more and more antiquated, we find that regimental commanders took ever increasing liberties with the regulations set down in those documents. To check such departures, a Mr. George Naylor, the then York Herald, an appointment in the College of Arms, was given the post of inspector of regimental colours in the year 1806. One of Mr. Naylor’s first actions was to issue a leaflet, which he sent to every commanding officer, setting out certain rules of paramount importance. The leaflet also gave a representation of both the King’s and regimental colours, showing a blank central cartouche. This, he intimated, was the standard pattern, and each commanding officer was requested to fill in the details which were particular to his own flags and return them for purposes of filing. The designs which came back to Mr. Naylor clearly pointed to the lack of uniformity which had sprung up in the preparation of colours. Many flags had been worked by ladies of title who were patrons of the local unit, the daughters of the commanding officers, and other such people, whose qualifications to embroider were greater than their understanding of heraldry. To Mr. Naylor, who knew what each flag should have borne, the designs must frankly have been disappointing. In some cases, the Egyptian Sphinx faced right instead of 27left; in others, it filled the space reserved for the central badge; one instance is known where this device was used as an ornament to cap the staff, and so heavily was it cast in silver that those who carried it were “under the necessity of unscrewing it when the regiment began to move”; a laurel wreath instead of the union wreath was another substituted design. One of the filled-in designs returned to the College of Arms showed a very dilapidated flag, but the covering letter explained that, “the George and Dragon has nearly disappeared from our King’s colour by a shell passing through it, though I trust his spirit is left amongst us.”

The period following on the peace which came with the victory of Waterloo proved of great activity in the world of military colours. The old flags had seen much active service and had become worn and torn, some had been stripped from their supports in a moment of crisis and hidden, whilst a few fell from the hands of their possessors and became lost. Also, we must not forget that many new battle honours had been recently won, and the fixing of these distinctions would always be an unwise action when the flags were showing signs of wear. Accordingly, the regiments which were provided with new stands at this time were considerable.

The post-Waterloo period was marked by the disappearance of the central heart-shaped shield (Figs. 7 and 8) in favour of a circle of red silk, which was divided into a ring and an inner circle, the first for taking the territorial designation of the regiment, and the second for showing the regimental badge or number. (It should, perhaps, be stated that royal regiments and those with higher 28numbers than seventy seldom possessed territorial designations at this time.) The central circle and ring of crimson have remained until this day. Roman gave place to Arabic numerals, but the latter have since died out; the wreath became a little more elaborate, for buds and extra leaves were introduced, and the sphinx was definitely placed below the chief badge. A word must be said respecting the battle honours; these were fixed in almost any position and combination and no rules were followed, partly because the number of honours varied with each regiment and partly because few regiments possessed sufficient to work up into a universal pattern. Not many of the banners of this time were painted, but, of course, the Foot Guards formed a notable exception. When a line regiment flew a painted flag, it was somewhat despised, and the inspection report was worded in a condemning spirit. Here is an example: “Colours only three years in use, much injured from the circumstance of the arms and ornaments being painted.”

Another era of laxity sprang up about 1830. Colours issued at this time displayed many departures from the general rules. Arabic numerals once more found favour for denoting the regimental numbers, county titles were often missing, the wreath became more fanciful, and in one case, the Northumberland Fusiliers, the badge of St. George and the Dragon was encircled by the union wreath, the central crimson circle being entirely missing. Honours were commonly inscribed on the King’s colours, which was decidedly wrong.

The swing of the pendulum came in 1844, for in that year an order issued from the Horse Guards decreed 29that battle honours were not to figure on the King’s or Queen’s colours, nothing was to be placed on them beyond the regimental designation and the imperial crown. This decision, which did not apply to the Foot Guards, as they have always been a law unto themselves, was lamented by many people, as it robbed these colours of much of their splendour. Milne thinks that the edict was issued because battle honours were fast growing in number, and if many of these were sewn on to a jack which was already a combination of seams and stitches the results would be disastrous in partly worn specimens.

At this point we must go back to the years which followed Waterloo, to discuss the standards of the Cavalry. The Hussar regiments had discarded them completely, and most, if not all, of the Lancers had done the same. No Hussars or Lancers possess them to-day, but, of course, their drum banners serve to display their arms and appointments.

The shape of these flags received attention at this time. The Life Guards and Horse Guards continued to fly square standards (there was an exception in the case of The Blues, of which mention is made later). The Dragoon Guards had favoured guidons from the date of their inception in 1746, but were ordered to carry square standards in 1837. The Dragoons continued to use the guidon-shaped banner which they selected in the days of the Stuarts, and which they still carry. The Light Dragoons only possessed banners, which were guidons, in three instances.

The Standards of the Dragoon Guards were “to be of silk damask embroidered and fringed with gold. The guidons of the regiments of Dragoons to be of silk. The flag of the standard to be 2 ft. 5 ins. wide without the fringe, and 2 ft. 3 ins. on the lance. The flag of the guidon of Dragoons to be 3 ft. 5 ins. to the end of the slit in the tail, and 2 ft. 3 ins. on the lance; the first or royal standard to be crimson, and the others of the colour of the facings as before.” These latter were of a curious oblong shape, with straight edges to the portions cut away in the fly.

“Her Majesty has been pleased to approve that regiments of Dragoon Guards henceforth carry but one standard or guidon, that the second, third and fourth standards or guidons at present in use be discontinued and that the authorised badges, devices, distinctions, and mottoes be, in future, borne on what is now called the Royal or first standard or guidon in the Dragoon Guards. N.B.—This not to apply to the Household troops, who carry one standard per squadron.”

This decree is a little difficult to understand as the third and fourth standards had not been carried for many years prior to the issue of the warrant. To-day, of course, these regiments possess but a single flag, a combination of royal and regimental colour in one.

A standard which has received much prominence, and which forms an unwelcomed exception to the rule 31that the Horse Guards fly square standards (see p. 29) was presented to the Blues by William IV. in 1812, at Windsor. We quote from a newspaper cutting:—

“At 12 the King and Queen with their suite and an escort of the Third Dragoon Guards passed along the front of the line in open carriages and, having taken post in the centre, the guns fired and the troops saluted. The troops having been wheeled inwards, and the officers called to the front, Lord Hill placing himself before his regiment, their Majesties, accompanied by the Dukes of Cumberland and Gloucester, and Prince George of Cumberland, with the Duchess of Cumberland and Princess Augusta, taking their station in the centre, the standard, richly wrought in gold and emblazoned with the trophies of the Blues, was consecrated by the Chaplain to the Forces. After an address, in which the King recapitulated the motive of his gift, and the early origin and distinguished services of the Royal Horse Guards, His Majesty presented the standard to Lord Hill, who respectfully received it on the part of his regiment. The troops then resumed line, broke into column, and marched past in ordinary and quick time.”

This standard was guidon-shaped and of crimson silk; in the centre it had the cypher of William IV., forward and reversed, interlaced, surrounded by a number of battle honours, above which was the royal crown. In the four corners were crowned emblems of the rose, thistle and shamrock.

We are now drawing to the close of this historical sketch, but before turning from the subject we must 32mark the year 1855. About this time the union wreath on the colours of the infantry regiments assumed the style as we now have it; the spear-head gave way for the lion and crown which now adorns the pike-tops, whilst the cord and tassels were given a definite style which has not been altered since.

About this time, also, a regulation was issued declaring that “The regimental or second colour is to be the colour of the facing of the regiment, with the Union in the upper canton, except those regiments which are faced with red, white or black. In those regiments which are faced red or white, the second colour is to be the red cross of St. George in a white field, and the Union in the upper canton. In those regiments which are faced with black, the second colour is to be the St. George’s Cross: the Union in the upper canton, the three other cantons, black.”

A more recent regulation has been framed which, in a measure, modifies the one just quoted. We give it at length:—

“The Colours of the Infantry are to be of silk, the dimensions to be 3 ft. 9 ins. flying, and 3 ft. deep on the pike, which, including the Royal Crest, to be 8 ft. 7½ ins., the cords and tassels to be crimson and gold mixed.

“The Royal or First colour of every regiment (of infantry) is to be the Great Union, the Imperial colour of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in which the Cross of St. George is conjoined with the crosses of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, on a blue field. The first colour is to bear in the centre the territorial designation 33on a crimson circle with the Royal or other title within the whole, surmounted by the Imperial Crown.

“The regimental or second colour is to be the colour of the facing of the regiment, except in those regiments which are faced with white, in which the second colour is to be the red cross of St. George in a white field, with the territorial designation of the Royal or other title displayed, as on the Royal or First colour, within the union-wreath of roses, thistles and shamrocks, ensigned with the Imperial crown.

“The regimental or second colour of the First and Second battalions is to bear the ancient badges, devices, distinctions, and mottoes, which have been conferred by Royal authority. The third and fourth battalions ^[8] are to carry the same colours without such devices and distinctions as specially refer to actions or campaigns granted in commemoration of the services of the other two battalions. The number of each battalion, I., II., III., IV., is to be placed in the dexter cantons.

“In those regiments which bear any ancient badge, the badge is to be on a red ground in the centre. The territorial designation, if practicable, to be inscribed on a circle within the union wreath of roses, thistles, and shamrocks, and the Royal or other title in an escroll underneath, the whole ensigned with the Imperial crown.

“No additions to, or alterations in colours is to be made without the Sovereign’s special permission and authority, signified through the Commander-in-Chief of the Army.

34“Application for new colours is to be made to the Director of Clothing, in accordance with the instructions laid down in the Royal Warrant relating to clothing.”

The Foot Guards, which do not come under the heading of Infantry, follow another set of regulations (see Chapter V.). Here it is of interest to mention that, at one time, the authorities did everything in their power to make them subject to the same regulations, but the Foot Guards determined otherwise. Let us quote from Sir Frederick Hamilton’s “History of the Grenadier Guards.” In September, 1859, when new colours were about to be supplied to the Second Battalion Grenadier Guards, they were given out from the Clothing Department, thus for the first time treating the issue of Royal colours with about the same respect as is accorded to the issue of a pair of regulation boots. Previous, however, to delivery, Colonel F. W. Hamilton was requested to inspect them, when he at once observed the substitution of the regimental for the Queen’s colour and vice versâ. He also heard for the first time of the proposal that the battalions should each select, ad libitum, one only of the twenty-four Royal badges then belonging to them, and retain it as their battalion badge, leaving the rest to fall into desuetude.”

As a result of this action, the Guards protested, as only Guards can, against this attempt to rob them of their traditional customs. The matter was laid before Queen Victoria, and in the month of October, 1859, she decided that “the crimson colour, as before, should be ‘the Queen’s’ colour, and that the distinguished company badges, as hitherto borne, should be retained, and 35emblazoned in rotation in the centre of the Union or regimental colour. Excepting only the reduction in size, and the addition of the proposed gold fringe, Her Majesty would wish no further change to be made in the colours as hitherto borne by Her Regiments of Guards. The service badges or names of actions in which the regiments have distinguished themselves should be borne as hitherto-fore on both colours.” This latter decree settled probably for all time the designs of the colours of the Foot Guards.

We have now followed the growth of the military colours of the British Army during the last two hundred and fifty years. In so long a period and where so many different units are concerned, each having peculiarities of its own, it is quite impossible to note every little change and variation which has occurred, but the reader may be assured that all the more important and interesting steps in the progress of these emblems of British pluck and patriotism have received due notice.

Among the grandest and most attractive flags which are flown in any part of the world, those of the British Cavalry must be assigned a high position, for, without being gaudy, they are beautiful, elaborate, gaily coloured and full of historic detail. The reader is invited to turn to the second plate, and examine the five examples given thereon. He will see that the badges—the relics of the old baronial days—are steeped in historical fact and military tradition, that the battle honours are reminiscent of the glorious fights of other days; and that the reds and blues and greens are judiciously blended without offending the eye.

Cavalry flags are known as standards when they are square and guidons when swallow-tailed. The Household Cavalry and the Dragoon Guards possess standards and the Dragoons fly guidons. To the student of military emblems, it is somewhat disappointing to find that Hussars and Lancers have no flags with which to display their splendid traditions. In their case, we must be content to examine the cloths or banners hung around their drums. Before taking each regiment separately, it may be useful to state that a standard, without the red and gold fringe, measures 2 ft. 6 ins. by 2 ft. 3 ins.; a guidon, 3 ft. 5 ins. by 2 ft. 3 ins.; and the lance of either is 8 ft. 6 ins. long.

371st Life Guards.—The King’s Standard is crimson and bears a fairly large representation of the Royal Arms. The King’s Cypher figures in the two upper corners. Below the Arms are placed the battle honours: Dettingen; Peninsula; Waterloo; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1899-1900; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

Three other standards are carried, each very similar to the above, the central device being the chief point of difference. (See Fig. 9.)

2nd Life Guards.—As for the 1st Life Guards, with slight technical differences. (See Fig. 9.)

Royal Horse Guards (The Blues).—As for the 1st Life Guards with slight technical differences. With this regiment the battle honours are: Dettingen; Warburg; Beaumont; Willems; Peninsula; Waterloo; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1899-1900; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

The Standard of Honour, in reality a guidon, which was presented by William IV. (described elsewhere) must be mentioned here.

1st King’s Dragoon Guards.—This standard of crimson silk damask bears in the centre the Royal Cypher within the Garter, and ensigned with the imperial crown. Around this is placed the union wreath bearing roses, 38shamrocks, and thistles growing upon the same stalk. In the four corners are placed small oval labels; the first and fourth revealing the White Horse of Hanover, on a green mount, the background of the horse is red; the second and third being devoted to the regimental initials I. K.D.G., on a blue ground. Along the vertical edges of the standard are placed a number of golden labels, each bearing one of the following battle honours: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Warburg; Beaumont; Waterloo; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; Pekin; South Africa, 1879. Below the union wreath is placed a label inscribed: South Africa, 1901-02. This flag is given in Fig. 10.

The White Horse is shown in order to recall the part which this regiment took in suppressing the Jacobite Rebellions during the reigns of George I. and II.

2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays).—This standard closely follows the design of the 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards. The centre, however, is filled with the cypher of Queen Caroline, within the Garter. The first and fourth corners contain the White Horse, while the second and third bear the initials II. D.G., on a buff ground. The battle honours are: Warburg; Willems; Lucknow; South Africa, 1901-02.

3rd (Prince of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards.—The Dragoon Guard type of standard is followed in this case. The central badge is the Plume of the Prince of Wales. The first and fourth corners reveal the White Horse, as above; the second corner contains a small picture of the Rising Sun, and the third, a small Red Dragon. (All these three 39devices are the appropriation of the Prince of Wales.) The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Warburg; Beaumont; Willems; Talavera; Albuhera; Vittoria; Peninsula; Abyssinia; South Africa, 1901-02. (Fig. 11.)

4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards.—The Dragoon Guard type of standard is again followed. The central badge contains the Harp and Crown, and the Star of the Order of St. Patrick; the second and third corners are filled with the initials IV. D.G. on a blue ground, and the battle honours are: Peninsula; Balaklava; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir. The motto, “Quis separabit,” is inscribed below the union wreath.

5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards.—This standard follows the type for the Dragoon Guards. The central badge is merely the regimental designation, V. D.G. The four corners contain the White Horse and the Rose, Thistle and Shamrock on one stalk. The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Beaumont; Salamanca; Vittoria; Toulouse; Peninsula; Balaklava; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1899-1902; Defence of Ladysmith. The motto of John Hampden, “Vestigia nulla retrorsum” (No going backwards), appears below the union wreath.

6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers).—This standard follows the type for the Dragoon Guards. The central badge is VI. D.G. The second and third corners have white labels also bearing the inscription VI. D.G. The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Warburg; Willems; Sevastopol; Delhi, 401857; Afghanistan, 1879-80; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

7th (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards.—The type as before. In the centre, the coronet of her late Majesty, the Empress and Queen Frederick of Germany and Prussia as Princess Royal of Great Britain and Ireland. As the facings are black, the letters VII. P.R.D.G. appear on a groundwork of this colour in the second and third corners. The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Warburg; South Africa, 1846-7; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1900-02.

1st (Royal) Dragoons.—A guidon of crimson silk, bearing in its centre the crest of England, within the Garter, is the flag of this regiment. The imperial crown ensigns the badge and the union wreath encircles it. The four corners contain small labels, as was the case with all the Dragoon Guard standards; the first and fourth are embellished with the White Horse, and the second and third with the initials I.D. on a blue ground. Below the union wreath is the motto, “Spectemur agendo” (Judge us by our deeds), and below this is a silver eagle, a replica of the one taken from the 105th Regiment of French Infantry at Waterloo. The battle honours are: Tangier, 1662-80; Dettingen; Warburg; Beaumont; Willems; Fuentes d’Onor; Peninsula; Waterloo; Balaklava; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).—A guidon as for the 1st Dragoons, but with the following badge: 41A thistle within the circle, and the motto of the Order of the Thistle, “Second to None,” below the circle. The second and third corners contain a blue label with the inscription II.D. The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Warburg; Willems; Waterloo; Balaklava; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg. The French eagle is placed below the motto. (Fig. 15.)

3rd (King’s Own) Hussars, 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers—no guidons.

6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.—A guidon as for the 1st Dragoons, but with the following badge: The castle of Inniskilling, flying the St. George’s Cross, and the word “Inniskilling” underneath. The second and third corners contain a primrose-coloured label with the inscription VI.D. The battle honours are: Dettingen; Warburg; Willems; Waterloo; Balaklava; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1899-1902. (Fig. 16.)

7th (Queen’s Own) Hussars, 8th (King’s Royal Irish) Hussars, 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers, 10th (Prince of Wales’s Own Royal) Hussars, 11th (Prince Albert’s Own) Hussars, 12th (Prince of Wales’s Royal) Lancers, 13th Hussars, 14th (King’s) Hussars, 15th (The King’s) Hussars, 16th (The Queen’s) Lancers, 17th (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers, 18th (Queen Mary’s Own) Hussars, 19th (Queen Alexandra’s Own Royal) Hussars, 20th Hussars, 21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers—none of these regiments fly guidons.

Almost as attractive as the standards and guidons are the drum banners, or drum cloths, of the cavalry. 42These appointments are usually made of brilliant coloured fabric, richly embroidered in gold, and bear the devices and, at times, the battle honours peculiar to each regiment. To our minds, it is unfortunate that the material chosen in making them does not always correspond with the facings of the unit. Hussars and Lancers, it is pleasing to know, have not been deprived of these banners or cloths.

The three sister regiments of Life Guards and Horse Guards have chosen very similar drum banners. They are crimson, and bear the Royal Arms, with two flying cherubs placed above. Gold embroidery enters largely into the decoration of these fine emblems. No battle honours are shown. The 1st Dragoon Guards carry a blue banner, richly embroidered, with the Royal Arms. The 2nd Dragoon Guards display their nickname, “Bays,” within a golden wreath, surmounted by an imperial crown, all on a cream-buff ground. The motto, “Pro Rege et Patria” (For King and Country), is inscribed on a red scroll. The 3rd Dragoon Guards have selected a banner of the same colour as their facings, namely, yellow. The Prince of Wales’s plume, the motto, “Ich Dien” (I serve), the White Horse, the Rising Sun, the Red Dragon of Cadwallader, and a union wreath all appear on this fine cloth. The 4th Dragoon Guards carry a blue banner bearing the Harp and Crown and the Star of the Order of St. Patrick, emblems showing the Irish origin of the regiment. The White Horse and a union wreath also enter into the scheme of decoration. The 5th Dragoon Guards display the White Horse, the regimental initials V. D.G., and the title, “Princess Charlotte of Wales,” on a blue scroll, all on 43a crimson cloth; (the facings are dark green). The 6th Dragoon Guards have a semi-circular banner of white material, tastefully decorated with a number of blue labels and a gold wreath encircling the regimental badge—a shield supported by a pair of crossed carbines, surmounted by an imperial crown. The 7th Dragoon Guards carry a neat blue banner decorated with the Royal Arms, a golden wreath and a scroll inscribed “The Princess Royal’s Dragoon Guards.” Turning now to the 1st Royal Dragoons, we have a dark blue cloth bearing, in gold, the Crest of England within the Garter, the Eagle, of which we spoke, a wreath of oak and laurel, the motto “Spectemur agendo,” and the regimental title. The 2nd Dragoons, the Scots Greys, show a light crimson banner, having in the centre the Thistle, around which is inscribed the motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit” (No one hurts me with impunity). The French Eagle, two flaming grenades, a wreath of golden thistles, and the motto, “Second to none,” are also given. The 3rd (King’s Own) Hussars have silver decorated drums, and possess no drum cloths. The 4th Hussars have the Royal Arms and a number of battle honours on their yellow banner. The 5th Lancers own a neat green cloth which bears the Harp and Crown, the motto, “Quis separabit” (Who shall separate?), a golden-brown wreath, two crossed lances, and a scroll inscribed with the words, “Fifth Royal Irish.” No battle honours appear. This cloth is shown in Fig. 13. The 6th Dragoons reveal their connection with Inniskilling by using the castle as a badge. A golden wreath and the imperial crown are also given, all on a yellow background. The 7th Hussars possess a dark blue banner, 44ornamented with the monogram Q.O. (i.e., Queen’s Own) interlaced within a garter, and surmounted by a crown. Battle honours are given on light blue scrolls. The 8th Irish Hussars display the harp and crown, a number of battle honours, and the regimental initials 8.K.R.I.H. (King’s Royal Irish Hussars) on a brownish-red cloth. The motto, “Pristinæ virtutis memores” (The memory of former valour), is given on a blue scroll. One of the most attractive designs is that used by the 9th Lancers. The cypher of Queen Adelaide, reversed and interlaced, within a garter, is surmounted by an imperial crown, and backed by a pair of crossed lances. The numerous battle honours are given in a circular ring, whilst the figures IX. are placed below the ring. The cloth is crimson. The 10th Hussars have the alternative title of the Prince of Wales’s Own. Their banner, accordingly, bears the Prince’s plume and motto. The honours are woven into a golden wreath which encircles the Rising Sun and Cadwallader’s Red Dragon. The material is royal blue. The 11th Hussars display the late Prince Consort’s crest and motto, “Treu und fest” (True and firm), the Egyptian Sphinx, the regimental initials, XI.H., all surmounted by a crown, and the inscription, “Prince Albert’s Own Hussars.” The cloth is crimson. The 12th Lancers also have a crimson banner, embellished by the plume of the Prince of Wales, the Egyptian Sphinx, the regimental number XII., a golden wreath, and a pair of crossed lances. The 13th Hussars wear the royal cypher enwreathed with leaves of laurel and oak, the imperial crown, and the usual array of battle honours. The motto, “Viret in Æternum” 45(Virile for ever), figures on this cream-buff banner. (Fig. 14). The 14th Hussars, being known as the 14th King’s Light Dragoons, bear this title on a golden scroll, which is placed above the royal crest within the Garter. The battle honours are inscribed upon the leaves of a laurel wreath. The cloth is crimson. Of the same colour is the drum banner of the 15th Hussars. This regiment displays the royal crest, the King’s cypher, the figures XV., the battle honours, and a golden wreath of laurel and oak. A royal blue cloth is carried by the 16th Lancers; it bears the crossed lances, which figure on all Lancer drum cloths, except those of the 17th Lancers. In this case, the well-known device of a skull and crossbones is placed within a garter, surmounted by a crown and enwreathed with a band of oak and laurel leaves. The cloth is deep blue. (Fig. 12.) The 18th Hussars are known by their deep crimson banner, bearing, among the battle honours, the inscriptions, XVIII. Hussars, Queen Mary’s Own, and the motto, “Pro rege, pro lege, pro patria conamur” (For king, for law, for country we strive). The 19th Hussars have a white cloth, showing the letter A, interlaced with the Dannebrog,^[9] below which is the White Elephant of Assaye, and around it a number of labels bearing battle honours, and the inscription, Queen Alexandra’s Own Royal Hussars. The 20th Hussars favour a crimson banner, which is embellished by a large golden wreath from which are growing roses, thistles and shamrocks. The royal cypher and the imperial crown are given the central position. The last 46cavalry regiment, the 21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers, owns probably the most fanciful drum banner. The letters V.R.I. are cleverly interlaced and supported by a pair of crossed lances, the whole encircled by a union wreath and the imperial crown. “Khartoum” is inscribed upon a dark blue scroll. The banner is French grey.

Following on the Cavalry, in the Army List, comes the Yeomanry, which forms part of the Territorial Force. This unit of the Army is divided into Dragoon, Hussar and Lancer divisions, an example of each being the Westminster Dragoons, the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, and the City of London Rough Eiders. The Dragoons, as a rule, are the only section which carry flags—in all cases they are guidons—but it must be mentioned that some Dragoon regiments display no colours, whilst a certain few of the other divisions possess these emblems, though they may not have received official recognition. Most regiments own drum cloths, but some of those raised since the Boer War carry no drums and, in consequence, wear no drum cloths. In one or two instances, i.e., in the North Somerset Yeomanry, ornamental drums are provided which need no cloth embellishments.

Yeomanry guidons are made of crimson material, edged with gold and red fringe; the pole is surmounted with the Royal lion and crown; and, in most cases, the distinctive badge is ensigned with the Royal crown, and encircled by the union wreath. The only battle honour inscribed on these flags is “South Africa,” but all regiments do not possess it.

48The Berks Yeomanry, which has its headquarters at Hungerford, flies the standard pattern of guidon, with a White Horse as central badge. This animal, as revealed on the banner, is a very poor specimen, but as it is an imitation of the one cut in the turf on the downs, we can appreciate the reason for its adoption.

The Derbyshire Yeomanry has the united red and white rose for its badge. This flower is ensigned with the imperial crown and, therefore, the ordinary crown is not placed above and outside the circular label, as is usual.

The Essex Yeomanry boasts of a motto: “Decus et Tutamen” (Honour and safety), which is inscribed on a scroll placed under the badge, consisting of a red escutcheon charged with three seaxes. These weapons are reminders of the county’s connections with bygone Saxon occupation. (Fig. 41.)

The Fife and Forfar Regiment, which hails from Cupar, is proud of its badge, a representation of the Thane of Fife. Readers of Macbeth will remember that Macduff was a descendant of the original Thane of Fife, a fine soldier who obtained a grant of the shire of Fife from Kenneth II. in recognition of his assistance when fighting against the Picts.

The Hampshire Carabiniers have the appropriate device of two carbines in saltire. They also have a rose at each corner of the guidon, white in the first and fourth corners and red in the second and third.

The Herts Yeomanry have a stag for device, whilst the Lanarkshire Yeomanry, a regiment possessing the 49alternative lengthy title of “Queen’s Own Royal Glasgow and Lower Ward of Lanarkshire,” flies a flag of the ordinary type revealing no particular badge.

The Duke of Lancaster’s Own bear the appropriate red rose of the House of Lancaster, and here we may mention that the Yorkshire Dragoons Yeomanry (Queen’s Own) display the white rose of York.

Lothians and Border Horse Yeomanry show a garb which, in non-heraldic terms, is a shock of corn.

The Montgomeryshire Yeomanry use a red dragon with green wings as the central badge, which is surrounded by a union wreath not of the regulation design.

The Norfolk Yeomanry has broken away from the traditional pattern of guidon. In each of the four comers is the Royal Cypher ensigned with the imperial crown, and in the centre are the Royal Arms. The Royal residence in Norfolk, and the King’s special interest in this county probably account for the presence of these emblems.

The Scottish Horse display the cross of St. Andrew on a blue groundwork, as the central badge, whilst in the four corners is the thistle ensigned with the imperial crown. This is one of the most pleasing guidons of the Yeomanry Force.

The Shropshire Yeomanry have as the central badge on their guidon a rendering of the arms of the Shropshire County Council (i.e., three tigers’ heads).

The Sussex Yeomanry display a badge comprising six martlets perched in three rows, all on a Blue 50background, whilst the Northamptonshire Yeomanry give another rendering of the well-known white horse.

The Westminster Dragoons, otherwise known as the 2nd County of London Yeomanry, have the Royal Cypher and Crown as central badge, whilst in the first and fourth corners are crossed axes, and in the second and third, Beaufort’s portcullis. These four devices are encircled by a union wreath of special design. (Fig. 42.)

If we leave the Yeomanry guidons, and turn to the drum banners, a more interesting set of emblems will be brought to our notice. The guidons may be accused of possessing a somewhat monotonous semblance one with the other, but this is not a characteristic of the drum cloths. They are gay-coloured, smart in appearance, and endowed with emblematic ornamentation of an interesting nature.

The Ayreshires have a neat crimson cloth, showing a crown, a union wreath, and scrolls bearing the inscription, “The Earl of Carrick’s Own Ayreshire Yeomanry Cavalry.” The Berks’ drum cloth is of the same colour, while the ornamentation consists of the initials R.B.Y.C. in writing, with the imperial crown above, and a crescent and star below. Another crimson cloth is that of the Cheshires, which displays the plume of the Prince of Wales as central badge. The Derbyshire Yeomanry use the red and white rose as on the guidon, but it is worked in gold threads on a crimson cloth. The Royal 1st Devon and the Royal North Devon both bear the Royal Cypher, ensigned with the imperial crown on a crimson groundwork. The former, however, has gold 51fringe, but the latter, silver-white and blue. The Dorsets display the same royal emblems within a silver laurel wreath, also on crimson. The Hampshires have an elaborate blue cloth, with wide gold fringe, on which appears carbines in saltire, the imperial crown, the red and white rose and a union wreath. The West Kent’s is crimson, and bears the white county horse within the garter, surmounted by an imperial crown. The motto, “Invicta” (Unconquered), and the inscription “West Kent Yeomanry,” are woven into a laurel wreath. A blue cloth is used by the Lanarkshire (Queen’s Own) Yeomanry. The design is neat, fairly simple, and consists of the Royal Cypher, within a garter, ensigned by the imperial crown, and surrounded by a wreath of thistles. The Lancashire Hussars also carry a crimson banner; it bears the Royal Cypher, interlaced, surmounted by the imperial crown, and has below it the Lancastrian rose. A wreath of red roses encircles these devices. The Duke of Lancaster’s Own is a dark blue fabric having, as central badge, the three lions of England on a shield surcharged with a white label or bar having three points. The imperial crown also appears, and the whole is framed by a laurel and oak wreath. The red rose ensigned by a crown figures in the two lower corners. The City of London Rough Riders have an attractive purple banner bearing the City arms within a circle and a wreath. The 1st County of London, better known as the Duke of Cambridge’s Hussars, favours a green cloth, having, as central badge, a seven-pointed crowned star, within a wreath. The Duke’s cypher appears in the four corners, and the regimental motto, “Pro aris et focis,” is given on the star. Another green banner is that of the 523rd County of London Sharpshooters. This appointment is ornamented with a pair of crossed rifles and a crown within a circle, ensigned with the imperial crown and framed by a wreath of laurel. Lothians and Border Horse Yeomanry have a blue banner, revealing the garb, before mentioned, and a wreath of thistles. The Montgomeryshire Yeomanry display a crimson cloth embellished, in the centre, by a rose, thistle, and shamrock springing from a single stalk. (Cf. the regimental standard of the 2nd Life Guards, Fig. 9). In the first and fourth corners is the White Horse of Hanover, and in the second and third corners, the Red Dragon of Wales. The Northumberland Hussars display a blue cloth in the centre of which figures the regimental cypher, with a crown above. On a scroll appears the name of the regiment, and two sprays of golden laurel complete the ornamentation. A banner of mantua-purple cloth belongs to the Oxfordshire Yeomanry. It bears the regimental cypher and a laurel wreath, both in silver, an imperial crown, in gold, and three red scrolls, inscribed, “Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars.” The Shropshire Yeomanry drum cloth carries the same device as the guidon, but it is blue, and has the motto, “Floreat Salopia” (Flourish Shropshire). The well-known Stafford knot, which has belonged to the heads of the Stafford family from earliest times, appears as the central badge on the blue drum cloth of the Staffordshire Yeomanry. The fringe of this banner is unusual, being for the most part, triangles of gold and silver embroidery. The Suffolk Yeomanry uses a green cloth, in the centre of which figures the castle and key, and the date 1793, devices to remind us of the siege 53of Gibraltar. A golden laurel wreath is also given, as well as the motto, “Liberty, property, loyalty.” This is a very fine appointment. The Royal Wiltshires, having the alternative title of “Prince of Wales’s Own,” naturally reveals the plume of the Prince. This is shown in a garter, which is surmounted by the Royal lion and crown; all on a crimson cloth. The Yorkshire Dragoons and the Yorkshire Hussars must not be confused. The first has a blue cloth bearing the white rose and the title, “Queen’s Own,” whilst the second displays a deep scarlet, almost black, drum banner, with the white rose, the plume of the Prince of Wales, and the title “Princess of Wales’s Own.”

In our limited space it has only been possible to give the chief features of these drum banners—sufficient, however, to assist the reader in recognising the appointments. They are, we must add, of the utmost beauty, and equal in point of interest to those of the regular Cavalry.

Tradition has perhaps a stronger hold in the Foot Guards than in any of the Infantry units dealt with in the chapter which follows. Accordingly, the reader must not be surprised to find that most of the general rules which affect the colours of the line regiments do not apply to the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. We have already mentioned that the King’s colour, as a rule, consists of a Union Jack, whilst the regimental colour is a flag bearing the devices and honours of the regiment to which it belongs. In the Guards, however, this rule is reversed, and the Jack constitutes the regimental, and the banner, charged with devices, the King’s colour. Another difference which may be mentioned concerns the battle honours. These are not placed on the royal colours in the majority of foot regiments, but the Guards show them on both the King’s and regimental colours. (The Irish and Welsh Guards at the time of writing possess no battle honours, they being comparatively new units.)

The Grenadier Guards have three flags, known as the Colonel’s, the Lieutenant-Colonel’s, and the Major’s colours, which are used as the King’s colour in the first, second and third battalions respectively.

55The Colonel’s or King’s first battalion colour consists of a crimson silk banner bearing an imperial crown above a flaming grenade. (Fig. 17.) On either side is a column of twelve tablets in gold, each inscribed with the name of one of the following battle distinctions:—

Tangier, 1680; Namur, 1695; Gibraltar, 1704-5; Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Lincelles; Egmont-op-Zee; Corunna; Barrosa; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Suakin, 1885; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.

The Lieutenant-Colonel’s or the King’s colour of the second battalion consists of a crimson silk banner bearing in the dexter canton, a small Union Jack, whilst in the centre of the crimson field is the Royal Cypher, reversed and interlaced, having above it an imperial crown, and, below, a flaming grenade. Battle honours also appear.

The Major’s colour, which serves as that of the King’s for the third battalion, is like the above, but from the sinister or bottom right hand corner of the small Jack issues a pile-wavy or, that is, a tongue of flame worked in gold.

In addition to the foregoing, there are three regimental colours, one for each of the three battalions. These flags bear the device of the Union Jack, full size, upon the four red centre limbs of which figure the Royal Crown, a flaming grenade, certain battle distinctions, and a special badge.

56The special badge varies not only with each battalion, but with every new flag that is supplied to replace a discarded one. There is a series of thirty of these badges, each one of which is a company badge of the Grenadier Guards. They are as follows:—

1st Company.—A golden lion wearing a crown and standing upon another crown (i.e., the Royal crest as given on the current sixpenny piece). In the upper staff corner of the colour is placed in all these flags the company number in Roman numerals.

4th Company.—A portcullis with chains hanging from it. This device was taken by Henry VII. from the badge of the House of Somerset. His mother, it will be remembered, was Margaret, daughter of John, Duke of Somerset.

5th Company.—A white rose in a glory or sun. This was the badge of the Earldom of March.

6th Company.—A thistle and rose, stalked and leaved. It was the device adopted by James I. to signify the union which had been effected between England and Scotland.

8th Company.—The red dragon of Cadwallader, on a green mount. This device was used by the sovereigns of the united Houses of York and Lancaster. It was taken by Henry VII. to remind people of his descent from Cadwallader, whose shield bore the red dragon as a supporter.

9th Company.—A white greyhound, with a red collar, standing on a green mount. An old badge belonging to the Earl of Richmond.

10th Company.—A sun in splendour with a human face, a badge selected by Richard II. when he desired to improve upon the badge of his father. Richard used a full sun in contradistinction to his father’s rising or partial sun.

5711th Company.—A white unicorn of Scotland, gorged with a golden prince’s coronet and chain, on a green mount. This was an old badge of James I.

12th Company.—A white antelope, gorged with a ducal crown and chain, standing on a green mount—a well known device of Henry IV., son of John of Gaunt. He appropriated this animal from the escutcheon of the House of Lancaster.

13th Company.—A white hart, gorged with a ducal crown and chain, on a green mount; a badge assumed by Richard II. from the devices of his mother, Joan, daughter of Edmund, Earl of Kent.

14th Company.—A white falcon with extended wings, perched on the barrel of a closed golden fetterlock. Edward IV., in addition to the device of the white rose which was taken from the Earl of March, selected this white falcon from the badge of his grandfather, the first Duke of York.

16th Company.—A white swan, gorged with a ducal crown and chain, on a green mount. It may be remembered that Humphrey, Earl of Hereford, used a swan argent, and his daughter, when she married Henry IV., took the same device.

17th Company.—A white falcon, crowned and bearing a sceptre, standing on the stump of a tree out of which is growing a branch bearing three roses, one white and two red. This was Elizabeth’s badge, to remind people that she was descended from both the Houses of York and Lancaster.

18th Company.—A stump of a tree which was the badge of Edward III.; assumed by him to point out how flourishing was his family.

19th Company.—A golden sceptre and sword proper—a device used by the House of Stuart.

20th Company.—A green oak tree on a green mount. In the branches of the tree may be seen the head of Charles II. peeping out. This is an emblem to remind us of his hiding after the Battle of Worcester.

5821st Company.—A sun rising behind clouds. This is a badge of Edward the Black Prince, which he assumed when he felt that his princely deeds were on the point of revealing him to the world as a man possessing a glorious future.

22nd Company.—A beacon or cresset with flames. This device was used by Henry V. when he wished to tell people that his deeds would shed a radiance similar to those of the flames of a fire.

23rd Company.—Silver ostrich feathers, crossed. The Lancastrians took this device.

24th Company.—A white hart with golden antlers springing from the gate of a golden triple towered castle. This badge appears to be of Irish origin.

26th Company.—The arms of Nassau. A golden lion rampant, crowned, standing near to eight billets on a blue shield. The Counts of Nassau, it will be remembered, were connected by marriage with the English Royal family.

27th Company.—The badge of the Order of the Bath, a device comprising the rose, thistle, shamrock, etc.

28th Company.—Three crests of German origin, emanating from Saxony, Brunswick and Hanover.

30th Company.—The crest of the Prince Consort, i.e., from out of a ducal Coronet appears a pillar crowned with a coronet from which issues a plume of three peacocks’ feathers. The arms of Saxony are shown on the pillar.

The Coldstream Guards also have three flags, known as the Colonel’s, the Lieutenant-Colonel’s, and the Major’s colours, which are used as the King’s colour in the first, second, and third battalions respectively.

The Colonel’s or King’s first battalion colour consists of a crimson silk banner bearing the Star of the Order of 59the Garter, i.e., the cross of St. George in the garter, on an eight-rayed star. A Sphinx superscribed “Egypt” is placed below, and at the foot of the Sphinx is a scroll, bearing the inscription, “South Africa’, 1899-1902.” (Fig. 19.) On either side of these devices is a column of ten tablets in gold, each inscribed with the name of one of the following battle distinctions:—

Tangier, 1680; Namur, 1695; Gibraltar, 1704-5; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Lincelles; Talavera; Barrosa; Fuentes d’Onor; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Suakin, 1885; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.

The Lieutenant-Colonel’s or the King’s colour of the second battalion consists of a crimson silk banner bearing in the upper corner next to the staff a small Union Jack, whilst in the centre of the crimson field is a star of eight rays and, below it, the Sphinx of Egypt. Battle honours also appear.

The Major’s colour, which serves as that of the King’s for the third battalion, is like the above, but from the bottom right-hand corner of the small Jack issues a pile-wavy or.

In addition to the foregoing, there are three regimental colours, one for each of the three battalions. These flags bear the device of the Union Jack, full size, upon the four red centre limbs of which figure the Royal Crown, certain battle distinctions, the Sphinx of Egypt, and a special badge.

60The special badges vary as set out for the Grenadier Guards. They are as follows:—

1st Company.—A white lion on a green mount, surmounted by an imperial crown. (Fig. 20).

2nd Company.—The Prince of Wales’ feathers in silver, with gold quills, encircled by the coronet of Edward the Black Prince.

3rd Company.—A white tiger, having flames of fire emitted from the mouth and ears, on a green mount.

4th Company.—Crossed swords, with points upwards, in silver. The hilt and pommel are in gold.

6th Company.—A red rose with golden seeds and green thorns, in a garter, a badge of Henry IV. of Lancaster.

7th Company.—A centaur provided with a bow and arrow, on a green mount. These were the royal arms of Stephen.

9th Company.—The knot of the collar of the Order of the Garter. This was the royal device of Richard II.

10th Company.—A carbuncle, in gold. This precious stone formed one of the badges of Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, whose other badge, the planta genista, is world famous.

11th Company.—A white boar, passant, bristled gold, on a green mount—a badge of the House of Warwick.

12th Company.—A dun cow, on a green mount. The dun cow of Dunsmore Heath, near Rugby, has the tradition of being slain by Guy of Warwick.

13th Company.—A red and white rose impaled with a golden pomegranate bearing green leaves. This device was brought from Spain by Katherine of Arragon.

16th Company.—The same badge as given for the 28th Company of Grenadier Guards.

61The Scots Guards have three flags, known as the Colonel’s, the Lieutenant-Colonel’s, and the Major’s colours, the first two of which are used as the King’s colour in the first and second battalions.

The Colonel’s or King’s first battalion colour (Fig. 21) consists of a crimson silk banner, bearing an imperial crown surmounting the Royal Arms of Scotland. Under these are placed the motto, “En! Ferus Hostis” (Lo! A savage foe), and the Sphinx of Egypt. On either side is a column of seven tablets, in gold, each bearing the name of one of the following battle distinctions: Namur, 1695; Dettingen; Lincelles; Talavera; Barrosa; Fuentes d’Onor; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Suakin, 1885; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.

The Lieutenant-Colonel’s or the King’s colour of the second battalion consists of a crimson silk banner bearing in the dexter canton a small Union Jack, whilst in the centre of the crimson field is an imperial crown, a Tudor rose, a thistle and shamrock, and the Sphinx of Egypt. On this flag is the motto, “Unita fortior” (By union stronger). Battle honours also appear.

The Major’s colour, which does not serve as that of the King’s colour, as there is no third battalion, bears the star of the Order of the Thistle, with a small Union Jack, from which issues a pile-wavy. There is also the Egyptian Sphinx, and a motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit” (No one provokes me with impunity).

The regimental colours of the Scots Guards consist of a full-size Union flag, emblazoned with a crown and Sphinx, and bear the badges of the companies, on lines similar to those laid down in connection with the two 62former regiments of Guards. The first twelve badges are as follows:—

1st Company.—A red lion standing on an imperial crown, all on a silver shield. The motto is “In defence.”

2nd Company.—A hand grenade with a lighted fuse and the motto “Terrorem affero” (I carry terror with me).

3rd Company.—The red rampant lion of Scotland. Motto, “Intrepidus” (Undaunted).

4th Company.—The cross with a representation of St. Andrew, upon a star of silver, all under a thistle. Motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit.”

5th Company.—A red lion, passant and full-faced, on a gold shield. Motto, “Timere nescius” (I do not know fear).

6th Company.—A blue griffin, on a gold shield, the badge of Edward III. Motto, “Belloque ferox” (And ferocious in war).

7th Company.—A salamander standing amidst flames—the badge of Francis I. of Orleans, who agreed to marry Mary, the sister of Henry VIII., when Louis XII. died, on consideration that Henry renounced all claims to the French throne. It may be added that Francis did not eventually marry Mary. Motto, “Per funera vitam” (Through death, life).

9th Company.—A cannon represented as though in the act of ejecting a projectile. Motto, “Concussæ cadent urbes” (The cities crashing fall). (Fig. 22).

10th Company.—A green lizard, on a green mount. Motto, “Pascua nota mihi” (Green fields are my home).

11th Company.—A cross of St. Andrew, on a blue shield. Motto, “In hoc signo vinces” (By this sign thou shalt conquer).

12th Company.—A group of war trophies. Motto, “Honore præfero” (I put forth my honours).

63The Irish Guards, which are of comparatively recent origin, have a King’s colour of crimson silk, bearing, in the centre, the Royal Cypher, in gold, surrounded by the collar of the Order of St. Patrick, with badge appendant proper, the whole ensigned with the imperial crown. (Fig. 23.)

The regimental colour is the Union flag, upon the central red limbs of which are placed an imperial crown and the Royal cypher. There are eight company badges. No battle honours have yet been assigned to this regiment.

The Welsh Guards, which were formed in the summer of 1915, possess a King’s colour of crimson silk, bearing the imperial crown and a dragon. The motto, “Cymru am byth” (Wales for ever), appears on a gilt scroll. (Fig. 24).

The regimental colour is the Union flag, upon the central red limbs of which are placed an imperial crown, and a shield filled by three silver lions.

Each regiment of the Infantry possesses two colours, the King’s colour—which is known as the Queen’s, when the reigning sovereign is a woman—and the regimental colour. There are two exceptions to this rule: (a) rifle regiments do not carry these emblems, and (b) a few units possess a third colour, usually awarded for some service of exceptional merit.

The King’s colour in every Infantry regiment consists of the Union flag with the regimental badge or number placed in the centre of the St. George’s Cross, the imperial crown figuring above whichever device is used. When the regimental number appears on the King’s colour, Roman figures are employed ^[10] (see Fig. 25); when a badge, it is placed within a circle around which is printed the regimental title.^[11] (See Fig. 46).

The regimental colour is more involved in character. First, there is a central device bearing one of the following: a badge (as Fig. 26), the regimental number (as Fig. 29), the battalion number (as Fig. 30), or the name of the 65battalion (as Fig. 40). Around this is placed a crimson ring, upon which is printed the name of the regiment. Above the badge, or ensigning it, is the imperial crown. Encircling all this is the union wreath, consisting of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and appropriate leaves, all growing from the same stalk—a very pleasing allusion to the fusion of England, Ireland and Scotland. Then comes the array of battle honours; when these are numerous they are placed upon a wreath which in turn encircles the union wreath. This wreath is usually composed of green foliage, but when the groundwork of the flag is of this hue, the wreath is golden. When the battle honours are not numerous, a few are placed on either side, also above and below the union wreath. Territorial force battalions have but one honour, that for South Africa. This is placed below the union wreath.

The four corners of the colour may contain devices, or they may be left blank. In some flags a small union still figures in the dexter canton, but the tendency to-day is to omit this. In the case of Fig. 39, which is the colour of the Honourable Artillery Company, the small union is given to show the manner of its display. It should be mentioned that the number of the battalion is often printed in the dexter canton.

The colour of the flag depends upon the facings of the regiment; if these are blue, that is to say, if the regiment is a royal one, the groundwork of the flag is blue; if these are yellow, buff, or green, the groundwork of the flag is yellow, buff or green; but if the facings are white or scarlet, the flag is white, and bears the red cross of St. George. Lastly, if the facings are black, the flag is black, with the red cross superimposed. As the facings 66for all battalions of a regiment are not necessarily the same, it is more convenient in the following descriptions to give the colour of the facings, and leave the reader to bear in mind the facts set out above.

R.C.^[12]—The Royal Cypher within the Collar of the Order of the Thistle, with the badge appendant. In each of the four corners the thistle within the circle and motto of the Order, ensigned with the imperial crown. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The Collar of the Order of the Thistle is made of gold, and consists of alternate thistles and sprigs of rue enamelled in proper colours. The badge is a golden image of St. Andrew, dressed in purple and green, holding a cross before him. The motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit.”

The honorary distinctions are: Tangier, 1680; Namur, 1695; Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Louisburg; Havannah; St. Lucia, 1803; Egmont-op-Zee; Corunna; Busaco; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Niagara; Waterloo; Nagpore; Maheidpoor; Ava; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; Pekin, 1860; South Africa, 1899-1902.

The Royal Scots hold the distinction of being the oldest regiment in our army. It was raised under the name of Le Regiment de Douglas, about 1633. King George V. presented colours to the second battalion in 1913.

67The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment).—Facings for the first four battalions, blue; for the fifth, scarlet.

R.C.—The Cypher of Queen Catherine, within the Garter. In each of the four corners the Paschal Lamb, with motto, “Pristinæ virtutis memor” (The memory of former valour). Below the central badge, the motto, “Vel exuviæ triumphant” (Arms triumph surely). A naval crown, superscribed “1st June, 1794.” The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” This device was granted after the campaign of 1801.

The Paschal Lamb is often spoken of as being a badge of the House of Braganza, but Sir Sibbald Scott, an authority on these matters, declares that it was never an emblem of the royal house of Portugal; it gained this reputation by figuring in a picture which Sir Peter Lely painted of Catherine. The regiment used the lamb “without any obvious meaning, and that quite lately it assumed the paschal attributes.”

The honorary distinctions are: Tangier, 1662-80; Namur, 1695; Vimiera; Corunna; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Toulouse; Peninsula; Affghanistan, 1839; Ghuznee, 1839; Khelat; South Africa, 1851-2-3; Taku Forts; Pekin, 1860; Burma, 1885-7; Tirah; Relief of Ladysmith; South Africa, 1899-1902.

R.C.—The Dragon. In each of the four corners, the united Red and White Rose, ensigned with the imperial crown. Motto, “Veteri frondescit honore” (By its venerable honour may it flourish). This flag is shown in Fig. 27.

68The origin of the dragon is obscure, but the Buffs have descended from the Trained Bands of the City of London, and probably the animal is a corruption of the City’s griffin. The connection with the City permits this regiment to march through the streets of this area with drums beating and bayonets fixed.

The honorary distinctions are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Guadaloupe, 1759; Douro; Talavera; Albuhera; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Punniar; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; South Africa, 1879; Chitral; South Africa, 1900-02; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

Readers who have the opportunity of visiting the Guildhall should see the colours which were retired in 1906, and then presented to the Lord Mayor of London. They are exhibited in a glass case.

R.C.—The Royal Cypher within the Garter. In each of the four corners the Lion of England.

The Garter is dark blue, edged with gold, and bears the motto, “Honi soit qui mal y pense,” in gilt letters.

The honorary distinctions are: Namur, 1695; Gibraltar, 1704-5; Guadaloupe, 1759; St. Lucia, 1778; Corunna; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Bladensburg; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Abyssinia; South Africa, 1879; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

This regiment is often known by the nickname of “The Lions,” from its badge.

R.C.—The St. George and Dragon. In each of the four corners, the united Red and White Rose, slipped and ensigned with the Royal Crest. The motto is “Quo fata vocant” (Whither the fates call).

The honorary distinctions are: Wilhelmstahl; St. Lucia, 1778; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Busaco; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Lucknow; Afghanistan, 1878-80; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.

The honour “Wilhelmstahl” figures as “Willems” in certain other colours.

The term “gosling green” has been obtained from Colonel Gosling, an early and famous leader of the “Old and Bold.”

This regiment carries a third colour, also of gosling green, on occasions of ceremony to celebrate the taking of an enemy colour at Wilhelmstahl.

R.C.—The antelope. In each of the four corners, the united Red and White Rose, slipped, ensigned with the imperial crown.

Probably, the antelope is used with no more significance than is the case with the paschal lamb of the West Surreys. Legend says, however, that the “Saucy Sixth” captured from a Moorish force a standard bearing an antelope as its device and they appropriated it as their own badge in remembrance of this prowess.

The honorary distinctions are: Namur, 1695; Martinique, 1794; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; 70Orthes; Peninsula; Niagara; South Africa, 1846-7, 1851-2-3; Atbara; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899-1902.

The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).—[See also the London Regiment, p. 111]. Facings, blue.

R.C.—The united Red and White Rose within the Garter and the crown over it. In each of the four corners the White Horse.

The honorary distinctions are: Namur, 1695; Martinique, 1809; Talavera; Busaco; Albuhera; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Kandahar, 1880; Afghanistan, 1879-80; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

“The old eighteenth century colour, which now hangs in the depot at Hounslow, was probably acquired by the regiment about 1790.

“It was superseded by a set worked by the white fingers of the English princesses themselves—a probably unique honour. The Royal ladies were the sisters of the Duke of Kent, then Colonel of the Royal Fusiliers. Although exceedingly heavy and unwieldy, from being overloaded with rich gold embroidery, these Colours appear to have been carried for some time, and may have been in the turmoil at Albuhera. But history is silent on the subject of the colours of the 7th in the Peninsula War, although the Fusiliers saw a lot of fighting, and bear no fewer than nine honours on their Colours in memory of the fact.

“In 1829 a new set of Colours was presented to the regiment by Lady Augusta Fitzclarence, while stationed at Malta, after which the princesses’ Colours were given 71to Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, not reverting to the regiment until 50 or 60 years later, when one of the Fitzclarence family kindly presented them.

“The 1829 set saw no active service, and were retired in 1851, shortly before the Crimean War broke out, and their remains placed in the garrison chapel at Portsmouth. The King’s Colour has now practically disappeared, and the other has more than half gone, the three white horses and other decorations having dropped off.

“The next set was also presented by Lady Augusta Fitzclarence, and saw some stirring adventures in the battle of the Alma, soon after the regiment landed to begin its march into the interior. Both officers who carried the colours fell on this occasion, as did also relief after relief in their turn. At length one of the Colours—the regimental—was dropped in the rear of a Russian battery, and lay there while the Coldstream Guards marched over it, without being aware of the fact—for all eyes were fixed upon the enemy in front. It was finally picked up by General Sir Percy Fielding, who sent it back to the 7th.

“In 1897 the second battalion of the regiment, the 1st Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment, participated in what was probably a unique ceremony, all three battalions receiving their new Colours at one and the same time from the hands of the Duchess of York, now Queen Mary. The Duchess was assisted by Lord Roberts, and the ceremony took place at Phœnix Park, Dublin, in the presence of a vast crowd.”^[13]

72The King’s (Liverpool Regiment).—Facings: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 7th (Isle of Man) Volunteers, and 9th batts., blue; 5th and 8th batts., black; 6th and 10th (Scottish) batts., scarlet.

R.C.—The White Horse within the Garter. The motto, “Nec aspera terrent” (Nor do difficulties terrify us). In each of the four corners, the Royal Cypher, ensigned with the imperial crown. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The battle honours of the “Leather Hats” are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Martinique, 1809; Niagara; Delhi, 1857; Lucknow; Peiwar Kotal; Afghanistan, 1878-80; Burma, 1885-87; South Africa, 1899-1902; Defence of Ladysmith.

Britannia was given as a badge to the “Fighting Ninth” by Queen Anne, for the splendid work it did at Almanza in 1707. Among the nicknames of this regiment perhaps the best known is that of the “Holy Boys,” an appellation given to it by the Spaniards in the Peninsula, who took the device of Britannia to be that of the Virgin Mary.

The honorary distinctions are: Havannah; Martinique, 1794; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Busaco; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Cabool, 1842; Moodkee; Ferozeshah; Sobraon; Sevastopol; Kabul, 1879; Afghanistan, 1879-80; South Africa, 1900-02; Paardeberg.

R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” The 73central crimson badge bears the Roman numeral X., this being the old tenth regiment.

The honorary distinctions are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Peninsula; Sobraon; Punjaub; Mooltan; Goojerat; Lucknow; Atbara; Khartoum; South Africa, 1900-02; Paardeberg.

The Devonshire Regiment.—Facings, Lincoln green, except the 4th battalion, which are black.

The battle honours are: Dettingen; Salamanca; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Afghanistan, 1879-80; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902; Defence of Ladysmith; Relief of Ladysmith.

The record of this regiment during the last South African War is one of special merit and interest.

R.C.—The Castle and Key, superscribed “Gibraltar, 1779-83,” with the motto, “Montis insignia Calpe” (The insignia of the Rock of Calpe, i.e., Gibraltar), underneath.

The Castle and Key were granted by King Ferdinand II. lo Gibraltar as arms in 1502.

The battle honours are: Dettingen; Minden; Seringapatam; India; South Africa, 1851-2-3; New Zealand; Afghanistan, 1878-80; South Africa, 1899-1902.

This regiment, “The Old Dozen,” is remembered for its capture of many stands of rebel colours at Seringapatam.

The flag of the 4th battalion is shown in Fig. 37 and, as will be seen from it, the badge is a Castle. (Idem for the 5th battalion).

R.C.—A mural crown, superscribed “Jellalabad,” in the central crimson badge, and, below, the Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The mural crown, a device which is associated with the name of Jellalabad, was given to this regiment in token of its fine work in the first Afghan War, when not only a human but a natural foe cast about, in vain, to bring it defeat. We are alluding to the crafty Afghans and the appalling earthquakes which rent the walls and buildings of Jellalabad whilst Robert Sale was in command.

The battle honours are: Gibraltar, 1704-5; Dettingen; Martinique, 1809; Ava; Affghanistan, 1839; Ghuznee, 1839; Cabool, 1842; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1878-9; Burmah, 1885-87; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment).—Facings, buff for all battalions, except the 7th and 8th, which are black.

R.C.—The Prince of Wales’s plume. The White Horse. The Royal Tiger, superscribed “India” and the motto, “Nec aspera terrent.” This flag is shown in Fig. 31.

The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Tournay; Corunna; Java; Waterloo; Bhurtpore; Sevastopol; New Zealand; Afghanistan, 1879-80; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

“Although the West Yorkshires were raised so long ago as 1685, their Colours had no honours for great early battles until (a few years back) ‘Namur, 1695’ was granted. ‘Corunna’ was the first name to be inscribed thereon, and, although ‘Tournay’ was tardily authorised in 1836, it was first placed on the stand issued to 75the regiment in 1853. Thus the set issued in 1819 to replace the tattered rags presented eighteen years before, and which had time and again led the regiment on to victory in Mauritius, in Java, and in Bengal—hard services which wore the Colours out so rapidly that they were described as being ‘fairly worn off the staves’ some years previously—bore only three honours, of which the third, ‘Java,’ was won by the first battalion; the second, ‘Waterloo,’ by the third battalion; and the first, ‘Corunna,’ by the second battalion.

“The next honour to be gained by the 14th was ‘Bhurtpore,’ in 1820. Hardly had the great mine beneath the hostile walls been sprung, when the besiegers were seen rushing forward to the assault, the Colours of the regiment beckoning in the very forefront, and being, it is said, the first to be planted on the walls of the ‘impregnable’ Jat fortress. The 1835 set, therefore, which replaced the ‘Bhurtpore’ Colours, had four names emblazoned on them, and their successors five, ‘Tournay’ having by this time been added. These, the Crimean Colours, under whose folds the additional honours of ‘Sevastopol’ and ‘New Zealand’ were earned, were not formally ‘presented’ but simply given out on parade without ceremony, according to instructions from the War Office, which had been suddenly smitten with a desire to save a pound or two here and there. They were retired in 1876, and placed in Sandringham, by order of His Majesty, then Prince of Wales, who had presented the new set to the regiment at Lucknow.

“The campaign of 1879-80 in Afghanistan was the last occasion upon which the West Yorkshires carried their Colours into action, and that honour was, needless to say, 76added to the many others which the regiment had earned the right to bear.”^[14]

The East Yorkshire Regiment.—Facings, white for all battalions, except the 5th (Cyclist), which are scarlet.

The battle honours are twelve in number: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Louisburg; Quebec, 1759; Martinique, 1762, 1794, 1809; Havannah; St. Lucia, 1778; Guadaloupe, 1810; Afghanistan, 1879-80; South Africa, 1900-02.

The “Snappers,” as this regiment is nicknamed, have been in some of the fiercest contests fought by the British Army, notably in the American War, at Blenheim, and at Quebec, when General Wolfe was killed.

R.C.—The united Red and White Rose, placed below the union wreath. The regimental number XVI. figures in the space for the central badge. The flag is shown in Fig. 29.

The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Surinam; Chitral; South Africa, 1900-02. These distinctions are not arranged, as is usual, in a circular order, but three are placed on either horizontal limb of the St. George’s Cross and one on each of the vertical limbs.

R.C.—The Royal Tiger, superscribed “Hindoostan,” placed below the union wreath, a numeral figuring in the space for the central badge.

77The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Louisburg; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; Affghanistan, 1839; Ghuznee, 1839; Khelat; Sevastopol; Ali Masjid; Afghanistan, 1878-79; Defence of Ladysmith; South Africa, 1899-1902. These distinctions are not arranged, as is usual, in a circular order, but upon the horizontal and lower vertical limbs of the St. George’s Cross.

The Royal Tiger was granted to the “Lily Whites” for their splendid work in India during the early years of the nineteenth century.

R.C.—The Harp and Crown. In each of the four corners, a shield with the arms of Nassau, and the motto, “Virtutis Namurcencis Præmium” (The reward of virtue at Namur). The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” The Dragon, superscribed “China.”

The Nassau arms, which formed part of the badges of William of Orange, were bestowed upon the Royal Irish in commemoration of the splendid way in which it stormed the Castle of Namur in 1695, in the presence of the King.

The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Pegu; Sevastopol; New Zealand; Afghanistan, 1879-80; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Nile, 1884-85; South Africa, 1900-02.

It is well known that the bravery of this and other Irish regiments in South Africa caused Queen Victoria to raise the Irish Guards.

Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment).—Facings, grass green.

R.C.—The Cypher of H.R.H. Alexandra, Princess of Wales, in gold (thereon “Alexandra”), interlaced with 78the Dannebrog, inscribed with the date 1875, and the whole surmounted by the Coronet of the Princess.

The Dannebrog is the name given to the white cross which the Danish king Waldemar was supposed to have seen in the red sky on the night before he met the Livonians in battle. His encounter was successful, and he therefore looked upon the cross as a sign sent to him from heaven. So deeply impressed was he by the apparition that he straightway accepted it as a national symbol, and it has been chosen as the badge of the “Green Howards” owing to their patron being our honoured Queen Mother.

The battle honours are: Malplaquet; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” placed below the union wreath, and, within the circular badge, the Red Rose. The motto is “Omnia audax” (Daring everything).

The battle honours are: Dettingen; Minden; Egmont-op-Zee; Maida; Vimiera; Corunna; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The colours of this regiment have been subjected to more than ordinary vicissitudes. They were burnt in order that they should not fall into the hands of the enemy when forced to surrender at Saratoga; they were lost during the retreat from Corunna, but happily found 79again on reaching Portsmouth, and in the Crimea they were riddled by the Russian bullets.

At the Royal United Service Museum may be seen one of the old colours, dating from the time when the regiment was known as the 20th, or East Devonshires. It is exhibit No. 3,084, and bears the inscription:—

“Portion of the Colours of the 20th Regiment, presented to it in 1803 by Colonel Robert Ross, the hero of Bladensburg; they were retired from service in 1815. The 20th fought under them at the victory of Maida in 1806, and they led the Regiment in the following memorable battles of the Peninsula War: Vimiera, Corunna, Vittoria, the Pyrenees, Nivelles, Orthes, and Toulouse.”

R.C.—The Thistle within the circle and motto of the Order of the Thistle. In each of the four corners, the Royal Cypher, ensigned with the imperial crown.

The honorary distinctions are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Martinique, 1794; Bladensburg; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1879; Burma, 1885-87; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The colours of this regiment were captured by the French at Blenheim during an overwhelming charge, but were fortunately regained later. At New Orleans they underwent an experience probably unparalleled in the history of all regimental flags. A quartermaster-sergeant, fearing that they might be lost, tore them from their staff and wrapped them round his body. Unfortunately, he was taken prisoner, but, strange as it 80may seem, he was able to hide them from his guards during the year or two that he was kept confined. The faithful man was able to restore them to his regiment when he regained England.

The Cheshire Regiment.—Facings, buff for all battalions but the 4th, which are scarlet.

The battle honours are: Louisburg; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; Meeanee; Hyderabad; Scinde; South Africa, 1900-02.

During the battle of Dettingen which, curiously enough, does not figure among the honorary distinctions, King George II. was being harassed by the French when a body of the “Two Twos” surrounded him, as he stood under an oak tree, and protected his person. The King, to show his gratitude, took a leaf from the tree, and offered it to the senior officer. Ever since, the oak leaf has been an honoured badge of the Cheshires, who wear it on their colours annually on September 12th.

R.C.—The plume of the Prince of Wales. In the first and fourth corners, the Rising Sun; in the second corner, the Red Dragon; in the third corner, the White Horse, with the motto, “Nec aspera terrent.”

The plume, the rising sun, and the dragon are badges of the Prince of Wales. They were assigned to the old 23rd as a reward for its services in Marlborough’s campaign. The red dragon is, of course, frequently associated with Welsh, tradition.

The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Minden; Corunna; Martinique, 1809; Albuhera; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Ashantee, 1873-4; Burma, 1885-87; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith; Pekin, 1900.

The Brecknockshire Battalion possesses a colour bearing the Red Dragon, passant.

R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” placed below the union wreath, and, within the circular badge, the regimental number.

The honorary distinctions are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Cape of Good Hope, 1806; Talavera; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Peninsula; Punjaub; Chillianwallah; Goojerat; South Africa, 1877-8-9; Burma, 1885-87; South Africa, 1900-02.

This regiment is the proud possessor of an unique distinction—a silver wreath of immortelles, presented by Queen Victoria—which it wears on the King’s colours in memory of the gallantry displayed by Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, V.C. Mr. Philip A. Wilkins, in his book, “The History of the Victoria Cross,” describes the thrilling work of these two fine soldiers, as follows:—

“Lieutenant Coghill had been told off to act as galloper to Colonel Glyn on the unfortunate reconnaissance made from Isandlwana Camp, on January 22nd, 1879, but that officer, seeing he was quite lame, insisted that, he should remain behind and nurse his knee, injured while out foraging a few days before. He therefore remained in the camp, which, as soon as the Zulus had drawn off Lord Chelmsford and the main body of our 82troops, was attacked by an impi of 25,000 men, completely surrounded, and practically annihilated.

“Colonel Pulleine, who was in command, seeing the desperate state of affairs, called to Lieutenant and Adjutant Melvill to take the Queen’s (as it then was) colour of the regiment and endeavour to cut his way through the mass of Zulus, to prevent its falling into the enemy’s hands. This order Lieutenant Melvill proceeded to carry out, and, with Lieutenant Coghill, spurred his horse over the rocky and dangerous ground to the Buffalo River, six miles distant.... In company with one mounted soldier, Melvill and Coghill reached the Buffalo and plunged in, the soldier being at once carried away by the whirling stream and drowned. Coghill reached the Natal side in safety, and turning round, saw Melvill, whose horse had been drowned, being carried down by the rushing torrent, and that the colour he had tried so hard to save had been wrenched from his grasp, and was floating away down the river. Though unable to walk owing to his injured knee, and knowing, as he did, that any accident to his horse meant certain death to him, with safety and life at hand if he chose to take them, yet Coghill refused to consider himself, and, turning his horse’s head, rode back again into the stream to Melvill’s assistance. The Zulus kept up a hot fire upon both men, and shortly afterwards Coghill’s horse was shot. With the greatest difficulty both managed to reach and climb the steep bank, and took shelter beneath some huge boulders....

“Of their actual end no living man has ever borne witness, but when a search party under Major Black 83discovered the bodies of these brave men, a ring of dead Zulus around them bore silent testimony that they had sold their lives dearly, and had fought it out to the last.

“The Queen, whose colours these officers had died to save, was quick to recognise such heroic bravery, and sent two wreaths to be placed on the arms of the cross which marks their grave by the Buffalo River, and later presented to the 24th Regiment the silver wreath mentioned above.”

This act won for these gallant officers the Victoria Cross and it brought about the decision that colours should no more be carried into battle, as it caused valuable lives to be lost in guarding them. This, then, was the last occasion when these cherished emblems were taken into the array of battle.

R.C.—The Castle of Edinburgh, where the regiment was originally raised by the Earl of Leven in 1689. The motto, “Nisi Dominus frustra” (Without the Lord, it is useless). In the first and fourth corners, the Royal Crest, with the motto, “In veritate religionis confido” (In the truth of religion I confide). In the second and third corners, the White Horse, with “Nec aspera terrent.” The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” below the union wreath.

The battle honours are: Namur, 1695; Minden; Egmont-op-Zee; Martinique, 1809; Afghanistan, 1878-80; Chitral; Tirah; South Africa, 1900-02; Paardeberg.

R.C.—The Castle of Inniskilling with three turrets, and a St. George’s flag flying from one of them. In each of the four corners the White Horse, with the motto, “Nec aspera terrent.” The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The battle honours are: Martinique, 1762; Havannah; St. Lucia, 1778, 1796; Maida; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; South Africa, 1835, 1846-7; Central India; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The Gloucestershire Regiment.—Facings, white, except for the 5th battalion, which are scarlet.

R.C.—No regimental badge figures within the central ring, but the Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” is placed below the union wreath.

The battle honours are: Ramillies; Louisburg; Guadaloupe, 1759; Quebec, 1759; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; St. Lucia, 1778; Maida; Corunna; Talavera; Busaco; Barrosa; Albuhera; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; Punjaub; Chillianwallah; Goojerat; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Delhi, 1857; South Africa, 1899-1902; Defence of Ladysmith; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg. (No colour bears a longer list of honours than those of this regiment)

R.C.—The united Red and White Rose with the motto, “Firm,” in the lower vertical limb of the red St. George’s Cross. A Naval Crown, superscribed “1st June, 1794,” in the upper vertical limb.

The battle honours are: Ramillies; Mysore; Hindoostan; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Talavera; Albuhera; Salamanca; 85Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Ferozeshah; Sobraon; Punjaub; Chillianwallah; Goojerat; South Africa, 1900-02.

The East Lancashire Regiment.—Facings, white, for all battalions except the 5th, which are black.

R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” placed below the union wreath. The motto, “Spectamur agendo” (By our actions, let us be judged).

The honorary distinctions are: Gibraltar, 1704-5; Cape of Good Hope, 1806; Corunna; Java; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Bhurtpore; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Canton; Ahmad Khel; Afghanistan, 1878-80; Chitral; South Africa, 1900-02.

The East Surrey Regiment.—Facings, white, except for the 6th battalion, which are scarlet.

The honorary distinctions are: Gibraltar, 1704-5; Dettingen; Martinique, 1794; Guadaloupe, 1810; Talavera; Albuhera; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Cabool, 1842; Moodkee; Ferozeshah; Aliwal; Sobraon; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; New Zealand; Afghanistan, 1878-79; Suakin, 1885; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

Lord Strafford’s coat of arms includes a small representation of the colours of this regiment. He was permitted to use this device in recognition of his services at St. Pierre. In the heat of the fighting, Strafford, who was then Sir John Byng, snatched up the colours and carried them forward in a charge. His gallant action had a very fine influence on the men, and this privilege of using a representation of the colours in his arms must be one of which the family of Strafford are rightly proud.

R.C.—The united Red and White Rose, placed below the union wreath. This flag is shown in Fig. 28.

The honorary distinctions are: Gibraltar, 1704-05; Dettingen; St. Lucia, 1778; Dominica; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Salamanca; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Waterloo; Punjaub; Mooltan; Goojerat; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Nile, 1884-85; South Africa, 1899-1902; Paardeberg.

The flag of the “Docs” must not be confused with that of the East Surreys, to which it bears a very close resemblance. The colour reveals little that is distinctive, and it seems a pity, somewhat, that a regiment with such a fine record at Lucknow, Cawnpore, and elsewhere should not possess devices of more interest. Its motto, “One and All,” which, however, does not figure on the flag, is, we believe, unrecognised by the authorities.

R.C.—The late Duke of Wellington’s crest, with the motto in an escroll above, “Virtutis fortuna comes” (Fortune, the friend of pluck). The Elephant, superscribed “Hindoostan.”

The Duke’s crest consists of a three-quarter length rampant lion emerging from a crown and grasping in its fore-paws a flag bearing the cross of St. George.

The battle honours are: Dettingen; Mysore; Seringapatam; Ally Ghur; Delhi, 1803; Leswarree; Deig; Corunna; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Abyssinia; South Africa, 1900-02; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

87This regiment, the only one named after a person not of royal blood, had a “battalion in the Bergen-op-Zoom disaster, but before the English, who had managed to get within the fort, were compelled to surrender, the Colour-bearers of the regiment were sent back over the walls with instructions to save the Colours as best they could. They were successful; in fact, not one Colour has ever been lost by this famous corps in battle.

“New Colours were presented in 1813, and these were carried at the battle of Waterloo two years later. The 33rd formed part of Halkett’s Brigade, which occupied the centre of the line, and was almost crumpled to pieces by the efforts of Napoleon’s massed guns. These Colours continued to be carried until 1830, when they were reported upon at Spanish Town as ‘very old, and scarcely to be distinguished as Colours.’

“The ‘Havercake Lads’ were present, as was only fit, at the funeral of the great Duke after whom they were named, in 1852, and the regimental Colour carried on that occasion underwent rather a curious adventure.

“When the Colours were brought from Glasgow to London for the ceremony, they were left in the house of Colonel Blake, of the regiment, in Portland Place, for a while. Now, although this particular set had never been in battle, they were in ribbons as the result of much bad weather in various climes, and their tattered condition struck pity to the feminine heart of Mrs. Colonel Blake.

“‘Men are so careless,’ she said to herself; ‘fancy letting them get into that state! I’ll mend the Colours for them.’

“The regimental Colour being white with a red cross, Mrs. Blake’s white silk wedding dress was just the thing 88for repairs—and for repairs accordingly it was used, and the offending Colour was nicely patched, to the consternation of the regiment when they saw it. But out of consideration for the lady’s feelings, the patches were never removed, and can still be seen quite plainly.

“This set was retired at Dublin in 1854, and taken possession of by the commanding officer. His widow afterwards presented both Colours to the Royal United Service Institute, in which museum in Whitehall, they hang to this day.”^[15]

The exhibit bears the following inscription: Colours of the 33rd Regiment, 1832-54, then known as the 1st Yorkshire (West Riding), which were presented to the battalion in 1832, at Weedon, by General Sir Charles Whale, K.C.B., colonel of the regiment. The first is the ordinary Royal colour of the great Union; and the second, or regimental colour, the Red Cross of St. George on a white field, and only two honours are attached, those of “Peninsula” and “Seringapatam.” They have never been on active service, but they are associated with two interesting military events. From 1838 to 1840 the 33rd were at Gibraltar, and there under these colours H.R.H. the late Commander-in-Chief, then Prince George of Cambridge, was attached for duty to the battalion on his first introduction to the British Army. The 33rd, as is well known, monopolised most of the regimental service of the great Duke of Wellington, and at his funeral on the 18th November, 1852—to attend which the regiment was brought to London from Glasgow—these colours proved a conspicuous mark. The colours 89were retired from service at Dublin in 1851, prior to the 33rd proceeding to the Crimea.

This regiment is a combination of the old 34th Cumberland and the 55th Westmoreland; it now possesses the former’s laurel wreath, gained for admirable services rendered on the fatal held of Fontenoy, and the latter’s dragon, awarded in recognition of its work in China, 1842.

The honorary distinctions are: Havannah; St. Lucia, 1778; Albuhera; Arroyo dos Molinos; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Lucknow; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

This regiment is the only one with “Arroyo dos Molinos” as a battle honour. In the Peninsula, by a surprise move, the old 34th took prisoners almost all of the 34th regiment of French Infantry. As a reward, they were allowed to wear a red and white ball in the front of their shakos. When, later, this appointment became general among infantry regiments, the Borders showed their displeasure at losing this distinctive sign. By way of compensation, the battle honour of “Arroyo dos Molinos” was granted to them.

“The colours which were carried in this fight became so tattered and dilapidated in after years that the officers at length decided to have them preserved under glass in order to lengthen their existence, and they were sent, accordingly, to a tradesman in the Opera Colonnade, London. While in his keeping, however, the building was, unfortunately, burnt to the ground, and the charred 90remains of the colours were all that was ever recovered from the ruins. Even these were thought worthy of preservation, and now rest confined in a silver urn.

“The colours which replaced the Bergen set in 1815 passed through strange vicissitudes before Lord Archibald Campbell at last rescued them in 1888. His attention was drawn to them by a pawnbroker’s advertisement which offered them for sale as though they had been a pair of mere window curtains. Needless to say, they were at once purchased, and are now safe with the other old colours of this historic regiment at Kendal.”^[16]

R.C.—The White Rousillon plume which it gained on the Heights of Abraham, when it overcame Montcalm’s Rousillon regiment. This latter force possessed the device of a white plume or feather, and the Royal Sussex adopted it as their badge.

The honorary distinctions are: Gibraltar, 1704-05; Louisburg; Quebec, 1759; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; St. Louis, 1778; Maida; Egypt, 1882; Nile, 1884-85; Abu Klea; South Africa, 1900-02.

The 5th (Cinque Ports) battalion carries colours bearing the arms of the Cinque Ports, which consist of a half lion and a ship-stern, repeated three times.

The Hampshire Regiment.—Facings, yellow for all battalions, except the 8th (Isle of Wight) Rifles, which are black.

R.C.—The Royal Tiger, superscribed “India.” This flag is shown in Fig. 30.

91The battle honours are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Minden; Tournay; Barrosa; Peninsula; Taku Forts; Pekin, 1860; Charasiah; Kabul, 1879; Afghanistan, 1878-80; Burma, 1885-87; South Africa, 1900-02; Paardeberg.

The 7th battalion carries colours with the following devices: A Stirrup. In the first and fourth corners, a White Rose, and in the second and third, a Red Rose.

The honorary distinctions are: Guadaloupe, 1759; Martinique, 1762; Monte Video; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Busaco; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Ava; Moodkee; Ferozeshah; Sobraon; Pegu; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Central India; South Africa, 1878-79; Egypt, 1882; Nile, 1884-85; Kirbekan; South Africa, 1900-02.

R.C.—The motto, “Primus in Indus” (First in India), because it was the first regiment from the home country to be landed in India. Also, the Castle and Key, superscribed “Gibraltar, 1779-83,” and the motto, “Montis Insignia Calpe.” This flag is shown in Fig. 32.

The battle honours are: Plassey; Martinique, 1794; Marabout; Albuhera; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Ava; Maharajpore; Sevastopol; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The colours of the 54th or West Norfolk, now forming the second battalion of the Dorsetshires, were on board the “Sarah Sands,” when this vessel, laden with vast stores of ammunition, caught fire. When the alarm was given, the room in which these emblems were placed 92was full of smoke, and they were only rescued after an heroic attempt on the part of Private Wiles and the Quartermaster. These colours may now be seen in Norwich Cathedral.

The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).—Facings, white for all battalions but the 5th, which are scarlet.

The battle honours are: Louisburg; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; St. Lucia, 1778; Monte Video; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Talavera; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Niagara; Waterloo; Candahar, 1842; Ghuznee, 1842; Cabool, 1842; Maharajpore; Sevastopol; Lucknow; New Zealand; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

A set of retired colours belonging to this regiment may be seen in Chelsea Hospital. The exhibit bears the following inscription:

“The Colours of the 40th Regiment. Presented to Sir Alexander Woodford (for many years Colonel of that gallant Regiment), by Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie and the officers of the Corps, on its return from service in New Zealand, and delivered into his hands by Colonel A. Nelson, at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, 1867.”

The Welsh Regiment.—Facings, white for all battalions but the 7th (Cyclist) battalion, which are scarlet.

R.C.—The Rose and Thistle on the same stalk, within the Garter. In the first and fourth corners, the Royal Cypher ensigned with the imperial crown: in the second 93and third corners, the Plume of the Prince of Wales. The motto, “Gwell angau na chywilydd” (Death rather than shame). A naval crown, superscribed “12th April, 1782.” (This device serves to recall the defeat of De Grasse by Rodney at Martinique.)

The battle honours are: Martinique, 1762; St. Vincent; Bourbon; Java; Detroit; Queenstown; Miami; Niagara; Waterloo; India; Ava; Candahar, 1842; Ghuznee, 1842; Cabool, 1842; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

“The second battalion has been rather unfortunate with its colours, losing one at Bergen-op-Zoom—it was afterwards taken to Paris—and the other at Quatre Bras. This was taken by the (French) 8th Hussars, who charged the regiment through the long corn just as the Prince of Orange was interfering with its formation. It was not lost without a splendid fight, however, Clarke, who carried it, receiving no fewer than twenty-three wounds and losing the use of an arm in its defence.”^[17] A fragment of an old colour of the 41st is exhibited in the Royal United Service Museum.

R.C.—The Royal Cypher within the Garter. The badge and motto of the Order of the Thistle. In each of the four corners the Royal Cypher ensigned with the imperial crown. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The honorary distinctions are: Guadaloupe, 1759; Martinique, 1762; Havannah; North America, 1763-64; Mysore; Mangalore; Seringapatam; Corunna; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; South 94Africa, 1846-7, 1851-2-3; Alma; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Ashantee, 1873-4; Egypt, 1882, 1884; Tel-el-Kebir; Nile, 1884-85; Kirbekan; South Africa, 1899-1902; Paardeberg.

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.—Facings, white for all battalions but the Buckinghamshire battalion, which are scarlet.

The battalion honours are: Quebec, 1759; Martinique, 1762, 1794; Havannah; Mysore; Hindoostan; Vimiera; Corunna; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; South Africa, 1851-2-3; Delhi, 1857; New Zealand; South Africa, 1900-02; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

The “Light Bobs,” as this regiment is nicknamed, are a combination of the old 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry) and the 52nd (Oxfordshire Light Infantry). A retired stand of flags of the former may be seen in the Royal United Service Museum, bearing this inscription:

“Colours of the 43rd, 1818-27, one of the regiments of the celebrated Light Division of Peninsula fame. The first or Royal colour is the Great Union, and the second, or regimental colour, the Red Cross of St. George on the white field. They only bear the one distinction, ‘Peninsula,’ the other honours shortly afterwards authorised not having been added. They were made to replace those carried with such distinguished honour in the Peninsula, and were presented to the regiment in 1818 at Valenciennes. The colours were carried on parade at the celebrated review held on 23rd October, 1818, the day before the break-up of the Army, when the whole of the British, Hanoverian, Saxon, and Danish contingents, commanded by the Duke of Wellington, 95were paraded before the Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia, near Valenciennes. Their last public act was to accompany the regiment to the Peninsula in 1827, when five thousand British troops were despatched under General Sir Henry Clinton, owing to the disturbed state of Portugal, and the hostile attitude of Spain. A few months later the colours were retired from service, when a new set bearing the eleven additional honours authorised in 1821 were presented by the wife of the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel William Haverfield.”

Another stand of colours, in the same museum, represent the old 52nd regiment. Here is the record exhibited with them:—

“Colours of the 52nd Light Infantry, 1824-52, now the 2nd Battalion of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, and they appropriately hang next those of their linked battalion and old Peninsula comrades, the 43rd. The Royal or King’s colour is the Great Union, and is so dilapidated, that it can scarcely hold the honours attached to it. The regimental colour, which is in much better condition, is of buff silk, and bears fifteen honours—the largest number granted at the time to any corps, save one, the Rifle Brigade. They were presented to the regiment at St. John’s, New Brunswick, in 1823, to replace the colours which the 52nd had so nobly borne in the Peninsula and Waterloo. In that great struggle, the 52nd were commanded by the celebrated Lieutenant-Colonel John Colborne, afterwards Lord Seaton, he whom Napier justly described as ‘a man of singular talents for war, and capable of turning the fate of a battle.’ This 96distinguished soldier, who had so often led the regiment to victory and never hurried it into defeat, commanded the 52nd when these colours were taken into use in 1824. They have never faced a foreign foe, but they were silent witnesses of the steady discipline and bravery of the regiment on board the transport ‘Marquis of Huntly,’ which was nearly lost in a hurricane in the Atlantic in 1831.”

R.C.—The Castle and Key, superscribed “Gibraltar, 1779-83,” with the motto, “Montis Insignia Calpe” underneath. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” An Eagle. (This latter device is borne to recall the Eagle captured by the 44th [Essex] from the 62nd French regiment at Salamanca. The French Eagle is now in Chelsea Hospital).

The battle honours are: Havannah; Moro; Badajoz; Salamanca; Peninsula; Bladensburg; Waterloo; Ava; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; Nile, 1884-85; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.

At the headquarters of this regiment is preserved a small piece of soiled rag which the casual observer might consider of small value. But it is the corner of an old colour which possesses the following interesting history. At Quatre Bras, a French Lancer gallantly charged at the colours of the old 44th, and severely wounded Ensign Christie, who carried one of them. The Frenchman then endeavoured to seize the standard, but the brave Christie, with a presence of mind almost unequalled, flung himself upon it. As the colours fluttered in the fall, the Frenchman tore off a portion of the gay-coloured fabric with the 97point of his lance, but he was not permitted to carry the precious fragment far away, for he was shot. It is this piece, which was carefully preserved, that now reposes at Warley.

The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment).—Facings, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th battalions, white; 7th (Robin Hood) battalion, black; 8th battalion, green.

The battle honours are: Louisburg; Roliça; Vimiera; Talavera; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Ava; South Africa, 1846-7; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Central India; Abyssinia; Egypt, 1882; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902.

The honorary distinctions are: Louisburg; Quebec, 1759; Maida; Corunna; Tarifa; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Ava; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Ali Masjid; Afghanistan, 1878-79; South Africa, 1899-1902; Defence of Kimberley.

R.C.—The Castle and Key, superscribed “Gibraltar, 1779-83,” with the motto, “Montis Insignia Calpe.” The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The battle honours are: Louisburg; Quebec, 1759; Martinique, 1762, 1794; Havannah; Maida; Douro; Talavera; Albuhera; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Sevastopol; New Zealand; South Africa, 1879; Tirah; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.

The battle honours are: St. Lucia, 1778; Egmont-op-Zee; Copenhagen; Douro; Talavera; Albuhera; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Queenstown; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Kandahar, 1880; Afghanistan, 1879-80; Egypt, 1882; Suakin, 1885; Tofrek; South Africa, 1899-1902.

An old set of colours belonging to the 2nd battalion are exhibited in the Royal United Service Museum. “They have a peculiar history attached to them. The 2nd battalion of this regiment, with the 2nd battalion 48th, the Buffs, and 31st, were in Colborne’s brigade at Albuhera, which was nearly destroyed. The loss of the four battalions amounted to 1,413, of which the Berkshires reached 272, and so weak had they become that it was found necessary to form them into provisional battalions, when the 66th (Berkshire) and the 31st were formed into a unit commanded by Colonel Leith, of the 31st. It was necessary to supply the 66th with new colours after the war. They duly arrived early in 1812, but were not taken into use because the colours of the 31st, as the senior regiment, were carried by the provisional battalion. They were, therefore, sent home, and when the regiment arrived in England in the summer of 1814, were sent to Plymouth to meet the battalion. But they were lost, never reached their destination, and it was necessary to make another set for the battalion. Not long afterwards, they turned up again, but too late to be taken into use. They came into the possession of the commanding officer, and were presented to the Royal United Service Museum.”^[18]

R.C.—The motto, “Quo fas et gloria ducunt” (Where duty and glory lead). The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” below the union wreath.

The battle honours are: Vimiera; Corunna; Almaraz; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Punniar; Moodkee; Ferozeshah; Aliwal; Sobraon; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Lucknow; New Zealand; Egypt, 1882; Nile, 1884–85; South Africa, 1900–02.

Before 1881, the facings of the regiment were black, but when, in this year, the force attained a royal dignity, they became blue. New colours to suit the change of hue were accordingly provided, and the old ones burned with solemn reverence, the ashes being collected and placed in a snuff box made from the wood of the flag pole.

A brave array of the retired colours of this regiment are to be seen in All Saints’ Church, Maidstone.

R.C.—The White Rose of the House of York. The motto, “Cede nullis” (Yield to nothing).

The battle honours are: Minden; Corunna; Fuentes d’Onor; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Peninsula; Waterloo; Pegu; Ali Masjid; Afghanistan, 1878–80; Burma, 1885–87; South Africa, 1899–1902; Modder River.

R.C.—The united Red and White Rose, also the motto, “Aucto splendore resurgo” (I arise with added splendour).

The battle honours are: Nieuport; Toumay; St. Lucia, 1796; Talavera; Fuentes d’Onor; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Toulouse; Peninsula; Bladensburg; Aliwal; Sobraon; Punjaub; Goojerat; Lucknow; Afghanistan, 1879–80; Egypt, 1882; Suakin, 1885; South Africa, 1899–1902; Paardeberg.

The Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment).—Facings, lemon yellow.

R.C.—The Plume of the Prince of Wales, derived from the 2nd battalion, which was formerly the old 77th East Middlesex. In each of the four corners, the late Duke of Cambridge’s cypher and coronet, as figured on the colours of the old 57th West Middlesex.

The honorary distinctions are: Mysore; Seringapatam; Albuhera; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; New Zealand; South Africa, 1879; South Africa, 1900–02; Relief of Ladysmith.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).—Facings, buff for the first three battalions, and black for the 4th battalion.

R.C.—In each of the four corners, the late Duke of Edinburgh’s cypher and coronet.

101The battle honours, on blue tablets, are: Louisburg; Nive; Peninsula; Ferozeshah; Sobraon; Sevastopol; Pekin, 1860; New Zealand; South Africa, 1879; South Africa, 1900–02.

Unfortunately, the “splash” which used to be worn on the buttons of this regiment to commemorate the action of the men in firing away buttons torn from their tunics on an occasion when all the ammunition was spent, is not immortalised on the colours.

The Manchester Regiment.—Facings, white, except for the 6th battalion, which are yellow.

The battle honours are: Guadaloupe, 1759, 1810; Egmont-op-Zee; Martinique, 1809; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; New Zealand; Afghanistan, 1879–80; Egypt, 1882; South Africa, 1899–1902; Defence of Ladysmith.

The Prince of Wales’s (North Staffordshire Regiment).—Facings, white, except for the 6th battalion, which are blue.

R.C.—The Prince of Wales’s Plume. The Dragon, superscribed “China,” placed beneath the union wreath.

The honorary distinctions are: Guadaloupe, 1759; Martinique, 1794; St. Lucia, 1803; Surinam; Punjaub; Persia; Reshire; Bushire; Koosh-ab; Lucknow; Hafir; South Africa, 1900–02.

The regiment, with its colours, nearly suffered disaster when on board the “Alert,” which was wrecked off Halifax, Nova Scotia. The men fell in on the lower deck, and awaited their fate, but, almost by a miracle, the vessel was brought into port and all were saved. The Duke of Wellington paid a high compliment to this gallant regiment, by decreeing that an account of the 102disaster and its happy sequel should be read to all the units of the Army.

R.C.—The Union Rose, in the central badge, the Royal Tiger, superscribed “India,” below the union wreath.

The honorary distinctions, arranged upon the limbs of the St. George’s Cross, are: Guadaloupe, 1759; Martinique, 1794; India, 1796–1819; Nive; Peninsula; Arabia; Lucknow; New Zealand; Egypt, 1882, 1884; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1899–1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

The Durham Light Infantry.—Facings, dark green for all battalions, except the 6th, which are scarlet.

The honorary distinctions are: Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Persia; Reshire; Bushire; Koosh-ab; New Zealand; South Africa, 1899–1902; Relief of Ladysmith. This roll is particularly strong in Indian honours, due to the fact that the 2nd battalion was raised by the East India Company under the name of the 2nd Bombay European Light Infantry.

The Highland Light Infantry.—Facings, buff for all battalions, except the 9th, which are blue.

R.C.—The Elephant, superscribed “Assaye,” placed below the union wreath. The Castle and Key, superscribed “Gibraltar, 1780–83,” with the motto, “Montis Insignia Calpe,” underneath.

The numerous battle honours are: Carnatic; Sholinghur; Mysore; Hindoostan; Seringapatam; Cape of Good Hope, 1806; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Almaraz; Salamanca; Vittoria; 103Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; South Africa, 1851–2–3; Sevastopol; Central India; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1899–1902; Modder River.

“When the 71st (now the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry) left England for the Peninsula War, Brigadier-General Pack ordered their Colours to be left behind in the Tower of London, and the regiment accordingly fought without any throughout the arduous Spanish campaigns. Pack’s reason for leaving the Colours behind is not quite clear, but if he thought they would be safer at home than on the field of battle he was woefully mistaken. In 1814, soon after the close of the war in question, the Prince Regent entertained the Allied Sovereigns to a grand dinner in Carlton House, and among the table decorations on that occasion were the Colours of the 71st, which were brought from the Tower for the purpose. To debase such sacred emblems as Colours to such a use was bad enough, but worse was to follow, for after the banquet, the Colours disappeared, and were never seen again. They may turn up yet; stranger things have happened.

“This was the stand which had been presented to the regiment by General Floyd to replace that which had been lost during the unfortunate expedition to Buenos Ayres, when the 71st, after being reduced to a mere handful by the bullets of the Spaniards, were compelled to surrender as prisoners of war. A piper’s banner, which was lost on the same occasion, has since been restored to the regiment.

“The 71st took part in the ill-starred Walcheren expedition, but they do not seem to have had their 104Colours with them on this occasion, for when they landed and took possession of a flagstaff, a soldier’s red jacket was hoisted in lieu of a proper flag.

“In 1841 the Duke of Wellington did this regiment the honour of presenting it with new Colours at Windsor, the ceremony taking place in the presence of the Queen, Prince Consort, and the King of Prussia. In 1857 Colours were received from the hands of the Duke of Cambridge.

“The former 74th, now the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, was one of the corps which was granted a third Colour for bravery at Assaye. This banner—which was white, bearing the elephant and ‘LXXIV.’ within a wreath, and inscribed with the victories of Assaye and Seringapatam—was referred to by an inspecting officer in 1830 as ‘a very honourable, but useless, appendage, and takes one officer to carry it, who would be much better with his company,’ and the same year it was ordered to be abandoned by the regiment, except on gala days, reviews, etc.”^[19]

Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s).—Facings, buff, except for the 5th (Sutherland and Caithness Highland Battalion), which are yellow.

R.C.—In each of the four corners the late Duke of York’s cypher and coronet (i.e., Frederick, at one time Duke of Albany). The motto, “Cuidich’n Righ” (Help the King), was given to the Mackenzie as a reward for protecting Alexander II. when attacked by a wounded stag. Also the Elephant, superscribed “Assaye.”

105The battle honours are: Carnatic; Mysore; Hindoostan; Cape of Good Hope, 1806; Maida; Java; South Africa, 1835; Sevastopol; Persia; Koosh-ab; Lucknow; Central India; Peiwar Kotal; Charasiah; Kabul, 1879; Kandahar, 1880; Afghanistan, 1878–80; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Chitral; Atbara; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899–1902; Paardeberg.

This regiment was awarded a third colour by the East India Company for services at Assaye (see Highland Light Infantry). It was made of white silk and bore the word “Assaye” above a representation of an elephant, the whole surrounded by a laurel wreath. The regimental number figured prominently on this banner, which is often called the “Elephant colour.” The colour was lost, and its history after about the year 1810 is unknown.

R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt”; also the Royal Tiger, superscribed “India.” (One in each of the lower corners.)

The many battle honours are: Mysore; Seringapatam; Egmont-op-Zee; Mandora; Corunna; Fuentes d’Onor; Almaraz; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nive; Orthes; Peninsula; Waterloo; South Africa, 1835; Delhi, 1857; Lucknow; Charasiah; Kabul, 1879; Kandahar, 1880; Afghanistan, 1878–80; Egypt, 1882, 1884; Tel-el-Kebir; Nile, 1884–85; Chitral; Tirah; South Africa, 1899–1902; Defence of Ladysmith; Paardeberg.

“The Regiment,” in its issue of October 28th, 1916, gives the following interesting account of the Gordons’ colours:—

“One Colour of the original set presented to the gallant 92nd on its formation in 1794 has disappeared, but its companion, the regimental Colour, is not only 106still in existence, but is even in a good state of preservation.

“This set went through the Holland campaign in 1799, and there is good reason to suppose that the King’s Colour got very badly knocked about in the fighting on that occasion. At any rate, when the union of Great Britain and Ireland took place in 1801, it was replaced by a new Colour, notwithstanding the small number of years it had been in use. The regimental Colour, on the other hand, was merely altered so as to bring it into line with the new pattern as sealed by the authorities. The original number of the regiment—100—had already, in 1798, been changed to 92, and the fresh alterations consisted chiefly of shamrock leaves, which were added to the existing wreath of roses and thistles.

“The only active service which this very much adapted set of Colours ever saw was in Egypt in the following year. By their valour at Alexandria, Mandora, and other fights, the Gordons won the right to bear the Sphinx on their Colours, and the badge was placed on all four corners of the regimental one—a very rare thing.

“In 1807 the Colours were retired, and reverted, as usual, to the colonel of the regiment, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who placed them in his residence of Gordon Castle. In order the better to preserve them, they have since been enclosed in a glass case, and both are in remarkably good condition.

“Their successors had a much more stirring career. In 1807 they led the Gordons on at Copenhagen. Next they accompanied them on their retreat to Corunna, and at the battle itself, Colonel Alexander Napier fell beneath their folds. When the regiment effected its 107landing at Walcheren later on in the same year we read that the Colours were carried uncased and upright in the centre boat of the flotilla.

“Not long afterwards they were sent back to the Peninsula, and the Colours were carried throughout the war from Fuentes d’Onor onwards. At Maya, one of the battles of the Pyrenees, the Colours fell to the ground time after time, every officer but two being either killed or wounded, and carried from the field. At St. Pierre the Gordons again advanced with Colours flying and pipes skirling, and drove the enemy from his positions.

R.C.—The Thistle ensigned with the imperial crown. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The honorary distinctions are: Egmont-op-Zee; Corunna; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Salamanca; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Toulouse; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Sevastopol; Lucknow; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Nile, 1884–85; Atbara; Khartoum; South Africa, 1900–02.

The Princess Victoria, who gave her name to this regiment, was afterwards Queen Victoria.

R.C.—The Plume of the Prince of Wales. In the first and fourth corners, Princess Victoria’s coronet; in the second, an Eagle, with a wreath of laurel (to commemorate 108the one captured from the French at Barrosa); in the third, the Harp and Crown; the Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” The motto, “Faugh-a-Ballagh.” (Clear the way.)

The battle honours are: Monte Video; Talavera; Barrosa; Tarifa; Java; Vittoria; Nivelle; Niagara; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Ava; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882–1884; Tel-el-Kebir; South Africa, 1899–1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

R.C.—The Harp and Crown, with the motto, “Quis separabit” (Who shall separate?) The Elephant, the Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”

The battle honours are: Seringapatam; Talavera; Busaco; Fuentes d’Onor; Ciudad Rodrigo; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Central India; South Africa, 1877–8–9; South Africa, 1899–1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

R.C.—A Boar’s Head, with the motto, “Ne obliviscaris” (Do not forget), within a wreath of myrtle. A Cat with the motto, “Sans Peur” (Without fear), within a wreath of broom. Over all, the label as represented in the arms of the Princess Louise, and surmounted with Her Royal Highness’s coronet. In each of the four corners, Princess Louise’s cypher and coronet.

This description seems somewhat involved, but the flag itself in no wise furthers this idea. The badge, which is placed in the centre of the flag, consists of a boar’s head, to represent the house of Campbell, and a cat, seated, to represent the house of Sutherland. The label, 109spoken of above, is merely a white bar, having three points projecting from it, downwards, one at each end and one in the middle. This bar is a sign of royalty, which figures in most of the royal arms.

The battle honours are: Cape of Good Hope, 1806; Roliça; Vimiera; Corunna; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Alma; Balaklava; Sevastopol; Lucknow; South Africa, 1846–7, 1851–2–3, 1879; South Africa, 1899–1902; Modder River; Paardeberg. No other infantry regiment bears an honour for Balaklava.

Two old colours of this regiment are worth mentioning; one was burnt while reposing in Inverary Castle, where it had been placed by the Duke of Argyll; the other was used to enshroud the body, before burial, of a lieutenant who was killed at New Orleans.

The Prince of Wales’s Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians).—Facings, blue.

R.C.—The Plume of the Prince of Wales, as the central badge. In each of the four corners, a maple leaf.

The battle honours are: Niagara; Central India; South Africa, 1900–02. They are arranged one on each side and one below the union wreath.

The first battalion of this regiment is of Canadian origin, whilst the 2nd battalion was raised in India. At a time when such valuable assistance has been proffered to the Empire by the Colonies, it is pleasant to recall that the Royal Canadians were the very first unit ever to come to the assistance of the Motherland; this it did during the Indian Mutiny.

A King’s colour of the 2nd battalion is exhibited in the Royal United Service Museum. “It forms one of 110a pair which was presented to the regiment at Aden on the 23rd January, 1866, by Mrs. Raines, wife of General Raines, C.B., who commanded the garrison. They were the first colours presented to the regiment as a British regiment, it having been before that time the Third Bombay European Regiment. The colours were used until 2nd April, 1906, when they were replaced by a new pair at Mauritius, the presentation being made by the Governor of the Island.”^[20]

R.C.—A Shamrock. The Royal Tiger. (These two devices are placed in the two lower corners of the colours.)

The honorary distinctions are: Plassey; Condore; Masulipatam; Badara; Buxar; Rohilcund, 1774 and 1794; Carnatic; Sholinghur; Guzerat; Deig; Bhurtpore; Affghanistan, 1839; Ghuznee, 1839; Ferozeshah; Sobraon; Punjaub; Chillianwallah; Goojerat; Pegu; Delhi, 1857; Lucknow; Burma, 1885–87; South Africa, 1899–1902.

R.C.—The Royal Tiger, superscribed “Plassey” and “Buxar,” with the motto, “Spectamur agendo” (We are judged by our deeds). The Elephant, superscribed “Carnatic” and “Mysore.” The tiger figures in the right-hand lower corner; the elephant in the left-hand lower corner.

The battle honours are: Arcot; Condore; Wandiwash; Sholinghur; Nundy Droog; Amboyna; Ternate; Banda; Pondicherry; Maheidpoor; Guzerat; Seringapatam; Kirkee; Beni Boo Alli; Aden; Punjaub; Mooltan; Goojerat; Ava; Pegu; Lucknow; South Africa 1899–1902; Relief of Ladysmith.

111The Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort’s Own).—Rifle regiments do not possess colours.

Facings, blue. R.C.—The arms of the City of London. In each of the four corners the united Red and White Rose, ensigned with the imperial crown, within the garter, B.H.^[21]—South Africa, 1900–02.

Facings, buff. R.C.—A representation of St. Paul’s Cathedral. B.H.—South Africa, 1900–02. (Fig. 36.)

Facings, scarlet. R.C.—The arms of Kensington. B.H.—South Africa, 1900–02.

Facings, blue. R.C.—In front of a circle inscribed with the motto, “Strike sure,” St. Andrew’s Cross, surmounted by a lion rampant. B.H.—South Africa, 1900–02.

15th (County of London) Batt. The London Regt. (Prince of Wales’s Own. Civil Service Rifles).

16th (County of London) Batt. The London Regt. (Queen’s Westminster Rifles).

Facings, green. R.C.—The figure of St. Pancras. B.H.—South Africa, 1900–02.

Facings, white. R.C.—An annulet ensigned with a cross pâtée and interlaced with a saltire conjoined in base. Motto, “Loyalty unites us.” B.H.—South Africa, 1900–02.

Note.—For reasons which every reader will appreciate the Army Authorities have ceased to make public the changes which the war has entailed in the numbering of battalions. On this account we have deemed it advisable to follow the regimental records as published in the Spring of 1914.

It is unnecessary here to speak of the splendid work performed by the overseas regiments in combating the war lust of the Central European Powers, for the fame of these gallant bodies of men is now world-wide. Many of the units of our far-flung Empire which in 1914 were unborn or unknown in the Mother Country are as household words to us now, and we reckon them as much a part of the British Army as we do the Buffs or the Black Watch. Thus it is imperative in a work of this nature to write of the colours of our overseas as well as our home regiments.

The Army of the Indian Empire, many units of which came into such prominence in the early part of the War, possesses a very fine array of regimental flags. In the main these emblems follow the rules as we have given them when dealing with the home forces. Each regimental colour, for instance, bears a central crimson badge bearing an appropriate device, number or title, and the whole is surmounted by the usual imperial crown. Surrounding this is the regulation union wreath composed of roses, thistles and shamrocks, whilst honorary distinctions are arranged upon a circular laurel wreath, or, when few in number, on either side of the union 116sprays. The ground colour of these flags is controlled by the regimental facings in exactly the same way as they are at home. Also, it may be said that the King’s colours are Union flags, each with a central crimson badge.

Most of the regimental flags bear no distinctive device but a few display a motto. The following possess one or other of these features:

2nd Queen Victoria’s Own Rajput Light Infantry.—Facings, blue. The Royal and Imperial Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter as central badge. Fourteen battle honours are given upon an outer laurel wreath.

7th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rajputs.—Facings, yellow. The Duke of Connaught’s Crest and Cypher. Eight battle honours.

12th Pioneers (the Kelat-i-Ghilzie Regiment).—This unit carries a special regimental colour, the groundwork of which is red, yellow and blue in three horizontal bars. A mural crown superscribed “Invicta,” and the names of eight battle honours appear on this flag. (Fig. 43).

14th King George’s Own Ferozepore Sikhs.—Facings, yellow. The Plume of the Prince of Wales appears in the central badge and the Royal and Imperial Cypher is given in each of the four comers. There are five battle honours.

16th Rajputs (the Lucknow Regiment).—Facings, white. There are three battle honours, of which one, “Lucknow,” is placed above a turreted gateway.

11732nd Sikh Pioneers.—Facings, blue. No device on the central badge, but the motto “Aut vivam inveniam aut faciam,” on a scroll beneath the union wreath. Four battle honours are given.

61st King George’s Own Pioneers.—Facings, white. The Plume of the Prince of Wales in the centre and the Royal and Imperial Cypher in each of the four corners. Eleven battle honours appear.

62nd Punjabis.—Facings, emerald green. An elephant, a golden dragon wearing an Imperial Crown and five battle honours appear on these colours. (Fig. 44).

63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry.—Facings, emerald green. These colours bear no special device, but carry the motto “Now or Never,” and seven honorary distinctions.

64th Pioneers.—Facings, white. The central badge bears a numeral, but the elephant of India is given below the union wreath. Five distinctions appear.

66th Punjabis.—Facings, emerald green. A golden dragon, wearing an Imperial Crown, and six battle honours are depicted on these colours.

69th Punjabis.—Facings, emerald green. A galley with the motto, in Persian characters, signifying “By Sea and Land,” and five honours ornament these colours.

74th Punjabis.—Facings, emerald green. On this flag appears a dragon with the motto, in Persian, “Ready and True,” and six battle honours.

11883rd Wallajahbad Light Infantry.—Facings, emerald green. The motto “Now or Never,” and three battle honours are the distinctive features of these colours.

84th Punjabis.—On an emerald green flag, the elephant of India and three battle honours appear.

91st Punjabis.—The motto “Now or Never,” and two honours are given on a cherry coloured flag.

101st Grenadiers.—Facings, white. The White Horse appears in the central circle and two honours are given on the three lowest limbs of the St. George’s Cross.

102nd King Edward’s Own Grenadiers.—Facings, white. The Plume of the Prince of Wales, the Sphinx, the Royal and Imperial Cypher of King Edward VII., and four battle honours are the special features of this flag.

113th Infantry.—Facings, yellow. The Sphinx appears below the central badge. Five honours are mentioned.

121st Pioneers.—Crossed axes and seven honorary distinctions are given on a white flag bearing the red St. George’s Cross.

127th Queen Mary’s Own Baluch Light Infantry.—Facings, scarlet. In each of the four corners of these colours appears the Cypher of Her Majesty the Queen. Five battle honours.

128th Pioneers.—Facings, white. The motto, “Progredior,” and six honours are the special features of this flag.

119The Canadian Military Colours are also planned on the lines set down for those of the Mother Country. The King’s colours are Union flags with central badges and the regimental colours depend for their hue upon the facings of the uniforms. The union wreaths, however, are not always of the strict standard pattern, though they vary but slightly; also, Arabic numerals are often used instead of Roman numerals to give the regimental number. In a few cases, a complete departure has been made from the regulation pattern in the case of certain regimental colours. Instead of the union wreath, a large and beautiful maple leaf is spread across the flag, and placed upon it centrally is a badge bearing the usual particulars.

[Further details of the Canadian military colours are given in an appendix at the end of this book.]

Unfortunately, there are no colours to record of the Australian Imperial Force, as none of the units are in possession of these emblems.

The West India Regiment is placed in the Army List almost following on the London Regiment (Territorial Force). The facings are white and, consequently, the regimental colours are white with the red cross of St. George. The design follows the standard pattern of the home infantry, and the battle honours, which testify to splendid services in various parts of the world, are: Dominica; Martinique, 1809; Guadaloupe, 1810; Ashantee; West Africa, 1887, 1892–3–4; Sierra Leone, 1898. The Dominica and Sierra Leone honours refer to the French attack between 1778 and 1805. (Fig. 47).

120The King’s Own Malta Regiment of Militia.—This regiment possesses a King’s colour of usual type, and a regimental colour of blue material, with a central badge bearing the Royal Cypher, surrounded by the standard union wreath and surmounted by the imperial crown. A Maltese Cross is placed in each of the four corners. A battle honour, “MDCCC,” refers to the French surrender of the island to the British on September 5th, 1800.

Many interesting colours do not permit of classification in any of the foregoing groups and must be described in the present chapter. The order of Army sequence cannot, of course, be preserved in their case.

The Honourable Artillery Company, which figures in the Army List directly after the Royal Garrison Artillery and immediately before the Royal Artillery (Territorial Force), is probably one of the most interesting units of the Army. It was first formed “about the year 1807, in the reign of William II., as a society of armed citizens for the protection of the goods of merchants, which were frequently commandeered by persons who had no respect for the property of others. The date of the incorporation of the Company is, however, 1537, when a Royal Charter was granted by Henry VIII., under the title of the Guild of Fraternity of St. George. This Charter gave power to the members to elect others to serve in the ranks, and to appoint masters or officers; to use a common seal; to make laws for the rule of the Fraternity; granted license to use and shoot with longbows, cross-bows, and hand-guns throughout the realm, including Calais; gave power to license all guilds of a 122like nature throughout the Kingdom; and ordained that the masters or rulers should be exempt from being empanelled on any quest or jury throughout the realm.”^[22] The regimental colour of the H.A.C. is shown in Fig. 39, and, it is interesting to add, two retired flags may be seen in St. Botolph Church, Bishopsgate.

The Royal Marine Light Infantry has a very fine blue regimental colour. The Globe forms the central badge, and this is surrounded by a green laurel wreath with the imperial crown above. Placed between the crown and the Globe is an anchor ornamented with the Royal Cypher. In the dexter canton is a small Union flag, whilst the Royal Cypher figures in the remaining three. The motto, “Per Mare, Per Terram,” which testifies to the world-wide influence of this fighting force, and the battle honour, “Gibraltar,” figure on two golden scrolls. The honour is also inscribed on the King’s colour. (Fig. 45).

The Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey has an artillery section and three battalions of light infantry. The latter have colours, the 1st and 3rd battalions of which are identical except for the necessary difference of wording. In both cases the material is blue and the central badge consists of the three lions of England. The union wreath and the imperial crown appear as on the home infantry colours. The battle honour, “Jersey, 1781,” refers to the French attack organised by Baron de Rullecour, and successfully met by this regiment under the command of Major Pierson. A small Union flag is shown in the dexter canton.

123The colour of the second battalion varies but slightly from the others. The badge is a shield and not circular, a horn with the figure “2” is placed above the badge, and the union wreath is not of the standard pattern. The King’s colours in each case follow the usual type.

The Royal Militia of Guernsey possesses an artillery unit and two battalions of light infantry. Each of these latter has a blue regimental colour, bearing the three lions of England, with a sprig above, for the central badge and a laurel instead of the union wreath. There is no union flag on the regimental colour but the King’s colour reveals it according to rule. (Fig. 46).

Royal Military College, Sandhurst.—This school possesses a King’s colour of the usual infantry type and a blue colour of the regimental type. The central badge of both is the Royal Cypher. The latter reveals it surrounded by the union wreath and surmounted by the imperial crown. The Motto “Vires acquirit eundo,” appear on a gilt scroll. (Fig. 48).

In all the above cases, the lion and crown surmount the pole, and fringe, tassels, and cords follow the type used for the regular infantry.

Battle honours, or honorary distinctions as they are officially termed, form so important a part of the embellishments of regimental colours that it is necessary before concluding to give some short account of them. The reader must not expect in the following pages to find a complete history of every event, for such would fill many volumes; all that is aimed at is to give a few salient facts, such as will recall to mind the stirring deeds for which the battle honours stand.

In previous chapters we have given the honours accorded to each regiment, but it may be well to point out that some regiments possess honours which do not figure on their colours. Also, we may add, some battalions fly colours with honours not really won by them. This happens where two regiments have been amalgamated. In such cases, the unit which becomes the second battalion gives its distinctions to the first battalion and vice versâ. It is thus clear that regiments which are composed of two old regiments may have their honour rolls considerably lengthened by the process of amalgamation. For this reason, it is not always a fair test to judge the glory of a regiment by the number of distinctions which it owns. On this and other accounts, 125we have carefully refrained from giving a list of the various Army units ranged in order as indicated by their honours. All that we shall say on this matter is that the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, were we to compile such a list, would take first place and, unfortunately, it has no colours on which to display its fine prowess.

Abu Klea.—Battle fought on January 17th, 1885, by a small British army during the unsuccessful endeavour to reach Gordon in Khartoum. Colonel Burnaby was killed and the British square broken but reformed and the Mahdi’s tribesmen were beaten off.

Abyssinia.—This expedition was directed against Theodore, the Negus of Abyssinia, who seized the British subjects resident in his territory, because the English had refused to share in his quarrels with the Egyptians.

Affghanistan, 1839.—An expedition to place the ex-king Shah-Soojah, on the Afghan throne; led by Sir John Keane.

Afghanistan, 1878–80.—To avenge the murder of Sir L. Cavagnari, and to secure the passes overlooking the valley of the Punjab from being perpetually harassed, Lord Roberts, V.C., advanced on Cabul and fought a number of successful engagements.

Ahmad Khel.—During Sir D. Stewart’s march from Kandahar to Ghuznee and then on to join Lord Roberts, he encountered a force of Ghazis at Ahmad Khel and secured a victory over them.

Albuhera.—Probably the hardest fought battle of the Peninsular War. Marshal Beresford attempted to prevent Soult from advancing to the relief of besieged Badajoz. The Middlesex Regiment here earned its name of the “Diehards” and a desperate charge of the Royal Fusiliers turned the day, and “fifteen hundred unwounded men, the remnant of six thousand unconquerable British soldiers, stood triumphant on the fatal field.” (Napier).

126Ali Masjid.—A fort attacked by a column under General Sir S. Browne, at the opening of the Afghan War, 1878.

Ally Ghur.—The first engagement in the Mahratta War. (September 4th, 1803).

Alma.—The first battle of the Crimean War. Here the British and French landed and successfully stormed the heights. R. Gibb’s famous picture, “Forward 42nd,” refers to this battle.

Almaraz.—A defeat for the English in Spain by Louis XIV. during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Amboyna.—An island in the Moluccas, where disputes with the native and English traders has led to a series of unfortunate differences with Holland, to whom it belongs.

Arcot.—A fort in the Carnatic held by Clive. By making it a stronghold he was able to draw Dupleix from the hard pressed garrison in Trinchinopoly, and thus relieve, in a measure, its vicissitudes.

Arroyo dos Molinos.—One of the lesser engagements in the Peninsular War, in which the Border Regiment outflanked a French regiment and took prisoners the men of a whole battalion.

Ashantee, 1873–4.—The Dutch gave to the British all their rights in this country in exchange for territory in Sumatra. The native king raised certain objections and also treated British missionaries in a cruel manner. Human sacrifices were among his abominable practices. When the British Government demanded that he should rule decently, he declared war.

Atbara.—A prelude to the Battle of Omdurman, fought against the Dervishes on Good Friday, 1898.

Ava.—Near this town the last fighting in the first Burmese War took place. (February, 1826).

Badajoz.—A strong fortress in Spain taken by us from the French, by assault, during the Peninsular War, 1812.

127Balaklava.—(October 26th, 1854). A battle in the Crimean War resulting from Mentschikoff’s attempt to get to the coast and so cut off the British from their base. Noted for the stand of the “thin red line,” i.e., 93rd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and the desperate charges of the “Heavy and Light” Brigades of Cavalry.

Banda.—Islands in the Malay Archipelago which have been twice taken from the Dutch and twice restored to them.

Barrosa.—(March 5th, 1811). A battle in the Peninsular War in which we suffered serious losses owing to the incapacity of the Spanish general, La Peña. His army looked on while 4,000 British defeated 9,000 French.

Beaumont.—Battle fought near Cambrai and Le Cateau, during the campaign of 1794. A dense fog enabled our troops to surprise the French with a resulting gain for us.

Bhurtpore.—A very powerful fortress in Rajputana. General Lake had failed to capture it in 1805 and it was considered by the Indians to be impregnable. The British had guaranteed the throne to the rightful heir, but his uncle usurped it, and war followed. It was brilliantly taken by assault in 1826 and its capture did much to establish our reputation in India.

Bladensburg.—An action in the great American War which took place on August 24th, 1814.

Blenheim.—(August 13th, 1704). One of the greatest of Britain’s victories; fought by Marlborough to prevent the capture of Vienna by the Marshals of the French King, Louis XIV., and the Bavarians.

Bourbon.—A French island, near Mauritius, taken by the British during the Peninsular War in order that our shipping might be protected from enemy raiding vessels which issued from the island harbours.

Burma, 1885–87.—A war occasioned by the treatment with which the native King Theebaw harassed British traders.

Busaco.—(September 27th, 1810). A battle fought just prior to Wellington’s withdrawal to the lines of Torres Vedras.

Cabool, 1842.—Town in Afghanistan entered by General Pollock after he had defeated Mahomed Akbar Khan.

Candahar, 1842.—The stronghold of General Nott during the Afghan War. He advanced from this town to assist General Pollock and found him in Cabul, where the British flag was flying victoriously.

Canton.—Bogue Forts surrendered to Sir Hugh Gough in the first China War, 1841. Bombarded in 1857 after the “Arrow” incident.

Cape of Good Hope, 1806.—Date of British occupation; formerly in possession of the Dutch.

Carnatic.—Hyder Ali invaded this southern portion of Hindostan with 80,000 troops in 1780, and was thrown back by Sir Eyre Coote in the following year, but completely defeated in 1782. Tippoo Sahib overran this district in 1790, but with little success to his credit.

Central India.—Refers to the fighting, under Lord Straithnairn, which took place during the first six months of 1858, following on the Indian Mutiny. [Statue in Knightsbridge bears on this campaign.]

Charasiah.—Lord Roberts met the Afghans here and routed them, 1879, after an outrage had been committed on British plenipotentiaries in Cabul.

Chillianwallah.—A bloody encounter of the second Punjab War (January 13th, 1849), in which the 24th Regiment (South Wales Borderers) lost heavily.

Chitral.—Sir George Robertson’s campaign against Umra Khan and Amir-ul-Mulk, when the latter murdered his brother, whom the British considered to be the rightful ruler.

Condore.—An Indian engagement in which the British, under Ford, met the French, under Conflans. By misleading the French, Ford was able to entice them to charge and then 129brought into action a regiment of British soldiers which had been hidden in a field of Indian corn. The result was a victory for the British.

Copenhagen.—The occasion when Nelson placed a telescope to his glass eye and claimed that he could not see Sir Hyde Parker’s signal to cease the action. (April 2nd, 1801).

Corunna.—Here, after Sir John Moore’s masterly retreat, was fought the battle which permitted the British to embark in safety. Moore was killed in this Peninsular battle.

Defence of Kimberley.—A siege of the Boer War lasting 123 days. The town was relieved by Lord French on February 15th, 1900.

Defence of Ladysmith.—A siege of the Boer War, lasting 121 days. The town was relieved by Sir Redvers Buller on February 28th, 1900.

Delhi, 1857.—The stronghold of the rebels during the Indian Mutiny; besieged and stormed against desperate odds by Sir John Nicholson’s troops.

Detroit.—In 1812, an American army crossed into Upper Canada, but met a force under Major-General Brock which necessitated its retirement to Fort Detroit. Brock invested the fort and demanded its surrender, which ensued on August 16th.

Dettingen.—One of the battles of the War of the Austrian Succession. (June 27th, 1743). Last battle at which a King of England (George II.) commanded.

Douro.—A Peninsular battle fought on May 12th, 1809, by Wellington. The River Douro was crossed in the face of strong opposition and the French defeated.

Egmont-op-Zee.—One of the battles of the Napoleonic War; took place in Holland, 1799.

Egypt, 1882–84.—A campaign which owed its inception to the rebellion of Arabi Pasha, whose object was to rob Prince Twefik of his position as khedive and to repudiate the treaty obligations and debts of Egypt.

130Emsdorff.—The 15th Hussars were allowed to wear the following inscription on their helmets, bearing on this battle honour: “Five battalions of Foot defeated and taken by this Regiment, with their colours, and nine pieces of cannon, at Emsdorff, 16th July, 1760.”

Ferozeshah.—A two days’ fight during the Sikh War (December 21st-22nd, 1845).

Fuentes d’Onor.—One of the Peninsular battles, fought by Wellington to bar the way to Almeida which Massena was endeavouring to reach. (May 5th, 1811).

Ghuznee.—Besieged during the Afghan War, 1839; the enemy forces were commanded by the notorious Hyder Khan. Later, the town was recaptured by the Afghans and the British inside it massacred. The British, however, took it once more in September, 1842.

Gibraltar, 1704–5.—British attacked it under the command of Sir George Rooke, Sir John Leake and Admiral Byng on July 21st, 1704, and took it three days later. During the month of October it was besieged by large forces of Spaniards and French, but the handful of British held out and Sir John Leake raised the siege in March, 1705.

Gibraltar, 1779–83.—General Eliot was besieged by overwhelming forces of French and Spaniards. His “red-hot potatoes” and other novel devices caused terrific havoc among the enemy and the blockade ceased on February 5th, 1783, wholly in our favour.

Goojerat.—The last battle of the second Punjab Campaign. (February 22nd, 1849).

Guadaloupe, 1759–1810.—An island in the Antilles belonging to the French. Captured from them in 1759 but returned to them in 1763. Taken from them a second time in 1794 and returned in 1803. Again taken in 1810. Became a possession of Sweden in 1813. Now French.

Hafir.—A battle of the Dongola expedition. (September 29th, 1896). The precursor of our fresh advance under Kitchener to reconquer the Soudan.

Hyderabad.—A battle of the War of Scinde, occasioned largely by the temerity of the ameers who had taken note of our reverses in Afghanistan. Under Sir Charles Napier, our forces were victorious (1843) and he is credited with having sent home the terse message “Peccavi,” which means “I have sinned” (Scinde).

Inkerman.—A battle of the Crimean War fought, in a fog, on November 5th, 1854.

Java.—When Napoleon obtained power over Holland, it became necessary for the British to turn their attentions to the Dutch colonies. Accordingly, an expedition was directed against Java, which we occupied in 1811.

Kandahar, 1880.—See Afghanistan, 1878–80. Lord Roberts’ army made a wonderful march through mountainous country from Cabul to Kandahar to avenge our defeat at Maiwand.

Khartoum.—This honour was awarded to the regiments which fought in the battle of Khartoum following on the success at Omdurman in September, 1898.

Khelat.—A hill fort and capital of Baluchistan, invested by the Ghilzees in 1842, and commanded by Captain Craigie.

Kirbekan.—A battle of the Sudan Campaign, in which Major-General Earle, commanding the force journeying up the Nile, was killed.

Kirkee.—Lord Hastings’ defeat of the Pindarries, a horde of freebooters, on November 5th, 1817.

Leswarree.—A great victory for General Lake in the Mahratta War (November 1st, 1803).

132Lucknow.—Besieged in 1857–8. An heroic defence was made by Sir Henry Lawrence.

Maheidpoor.—Sir Thomas Hislop defeated the Pindarries on December 21st, 1817.

Mangalore.—The Mysore War terminated by the Treaty of Mangalore, by which Tippoo was recognised as sultan of the Carnatic Balaghaut and the English were entrusted with the protection of Travancore.

Martinique.—An island in the Caribbean Sea which has seen encounters between the British and French in 1762, 1794, and 1809.

Masulipatam.—This refers to a mutiny of troops of the Madras European Regiment during the month of May, 1809.

Minden.—Defeat of the French, August 1st, 1759, during the Seven Years’ War.

Modder River.—An engagement which occasioned a heavy list of casualties, fought by Lord Methuen on November 28th, 1899. Later, Lord Roberts, V.C., met the Boers here on February 9th, 1900.

Mooltan.—Besieged during the second Punjab Campaign. The Sikhs were repulsed November 7th, 1848.

133Namur, 1695.—Then a strong fortress; taken by William III. from the French at the close of his brilliant campaign in the Low Countries.

New Zealand.—Trouble in 1844 arose from the murder of British settlers by a native chief, Hone Heke.

Niagara.—The English took this fort on July 24th, 1759; there was also another engagement against the Americans in 1812.

Nieuport.—A centre of attack on the French army during the revolutionary war, 1793.

Nile, 1884–85.—The campaign which was directed against the Mahdi to rescue General Gordon. We failed to reach Khartoum in time and Gordon perished.

Nive.—Several encounters took place here between the British and the French. (December 10th-13th, 1813).

Nivelle.—Soult defeated by Wellington whose strategy forced the former to retire to Bayonne. (November 10th, 1813).

North America, 1763–64.—This battle honour refers to the fighting between the British, under Colonel Bradstreet, and certain Indian tribes.

Nundy-droog.—A stronghold near Bangalore, assaulted by Cornwallis, which fell after a three weeks’ siege. (October, 1791).

Paardeberg.—A battle of the Boer war in which Lord French beat Cronje and forced him to surrender a few days later (February 18th, 1900), on the anniversary of our defeat at Majuba, during the first Boer war.

Peiwar Kotal.—One of the attacks of the Afghan War, 1878–80, successfully carried out by Lord Roberts, V.C.

Pekin, 1860.—The “Arrow” incident brought matters to a head and the second Chinese War began in 1857. Owing to 134the massacre of English residents, Pekin was occupied by British and French troops and the famous Summer Palace razed to the ground.

Peninsula.—The campaign between the British and French; under the leadership of the Duke of Wellington.

Persia.—A war which sprang from the relations of Persia and Russia and comprised the engagements of Reshire, Bushire, Koosh-ab, etc. 1856–7.

Plassey.—Here Clive, to avenge the “Black Hole of Calcutta,” defeated the Nabob of Bengal, Surajah Dowlah, on June 23rd, 1757. Probably in no important battle have we met greater odds, which were nearly fifty to one. From this battle dates our paramount position in India. There was a prophecy that the “British Raj,” or rule, in India would last a century, and the Mutiny broke out in 1857.

Pondicherry.—A French colony which has seen much fighting. The Dutch took it in 1693, but it came into French possession once more in 1697. In 1761, the British took it and restored it in 1763; took it again in 1778; French again possessed it in 1783 by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles; later, the British also took it in 1793 and in 1803.

Punjaub.—The second Sikh war, a campaign necessitated by the murder of British officials on their arrival at the fortress of Mooltan where they were about to take up their appointments, 1848.

Punniar.—One of the two successful battles fought in the Gwalior Campaign, 1843.

Quebec, 1759.—Wolfe was victorious but mortally wounded, September 13th. This success secured for us Canada from the French.

Queenstown.—Americans who had invaded Canada were defeated October 13th, 1812.

Rohilcund.—A settlement of the Rohilla tribe, from Afghanistan, in North East India. They owed money to the Sultan of Oude, and as payment was refused, the latter obtained the use of a British force, lent by Warren Hastings, and conquered the settlement. Burke claims that Hastings was to be condemned for lending the force for such purposes.

Roliga.—Often written “Roleria,” one of the first battles of the Peninsular War, August 9th, 1808.

St. Lucia.—An island in the Windward group which has suffered much change of possession. By the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, 1748, it became neutral; became French in 1756; taken by British in 1778; given to the French in 1783 for Grenada; taken by British in 1794 and again in 1796 by Sir Ralph Abercromby. By the Treaty of Amiens, given to the French in 1802; taken from them by the British in 1803.

St. Vincent.—The reference is to the defeat of the Spanish fleet on February 14th, 1797. This honour is possessed by the Welsh Regiment and was won when they were serving as Marines on board the “Agamemnon.”

Seringapatam.—Besieged by Lord Cornwallis in 1762 and later by Lord Wellesley in 1799 owing to the hostile attitude of Tippoo Sahib. Tippoo was killed May 4th.

Sevastopol.—The siege of, commenced October 17th, 1854, against the Russians. Its capture completed the Crimean War.

Sholinghur.—A strong position taken up by Hyder Ali from which he was dislodged by Sir Eyre Coote in September, 1781.

South Africa.—1834–5, the first Kaffir War; 1846–7, engagements against the Gaikas; 1851–3, a third Kaffir rising led by Sandilli. (The “Birkenhead” was carrying troops to take part in this war when it foundered). 1878–9, the Zulu War; 1899–1902, the Boer War.

Suakin, 1885.—Defended by military and naval forces in 1884–85 against the troops of the Mahdi and Osman Digna.

Surinam.—Taken from the Dutch in 1799 and again in 1804, but restored to them later.

Taku Forts.—After the Chinese ignored the Treaty of Tientsin the Taku Forts were stormed, 1860.

Tangier, 1662–80.—Given to the British by the Portuguese in 1662, as a dowry, when Charles II. married Catherine of Braganza. The 2nd, or Queen’s Regiment (Kirk’s Lambs), was raised to garrison it.

Tarifa.—The most southerly town in Europe, south of Gibraltar. The French attacked the British there in 1811–2.

Tel-el-Kebir.—This was the important engagement after the bombardment of Alexandria, during the Egyptian campaign, (q.v.) It took place on September 13th, 1882; after a trying night march of Sir G. Wolseley’s men through the desert the Egyptian encampment was rushed at dawn.

Ternate.—A small Dutch island in the Malay Archipelago. It was the scene of fighting during the Napoleonic war. Lord Minto was in command.

Tofrek.—A battle of the Sudan campaign which followed shortly after the fall of Khartoum. (March 22nd, 1885).

Tournay.—In southern Belgium, the scene of much fighting and some sieges during the years 1793–4.

137Villers-en-Cauchies.—The British and Germans met the French here in 1794. The Emperor Frances II. of Germany was on the point of being taken prisoner when the 15th Light Dragoons rescued him.

Vimiera.—An early battle of the Peninsular War. Wellesley defeated Junot. (August 21st, 1808).

Vittoria.—Wellington defeated King Joseph. (June 21st, 1813). The greatest of our victories during the Peninsular War.

Wandiwash.—Sir Eyre Coote defeated Lally in India; an engagement of the Seven Years’ War. (January 22nd, 1760).

Waterloo.—(June 18th, 1815). The battle in which Napoleon was finally overthrown and which restored peace to Europe after the long revolutionary and Napoleonic wars which had lasted a quarter of a century.

Willems.—The Guards, Dragoons, Lancers, etc., have this honour; it is “Wilhelmstahl” on the colours of the line regiments.

June 1st, 1794.—(The Glorious First of June). Lord Howe’s naval victory.

Colours presented by Veterans of Kingston, Ontario; brought to England and now in custody of the High Commissioner of Canada.

Made and presented by I.O.D.E., London, Ontario, July 21st, 1915; accompanied the unit to England and deposited in Canterbury Cathedral on Aug. 26th, 1916.

Colours presented on Aug. 1st, 1915, by the Home-Guard. Deposited in Westminster Abbey for duration of war.

Colours made in England and donated to the Battalion by the Women’s Canadian Club, Belleville, Ont., in June, 1915. Presentation made by General Sir Sam Hughes. In Aug., 1915, deposited in Lydd Parish Church, Kent, but were reclaimed in March, 1917, and returned to Canada.

Colours made by Mrs. Clark, wife of the Commanding Officer, and presented by her at Brandon, Manitoba, in 1916.

Made by the Ladies of the Conservative Assoc. of Alberta; presented to Battalion by the President of the Association, Mrs. A. E. Ewing; were carried on parade, July 1st, 1915; on July 21st, 1916, were deposited in Westminster Abbey.

Colours presented to Battalion by Mr. Richard Waldron, of Kingston, Ontario; handed to Battalion by Mrs. Waldron in presence of Sir Sam Hughes, Oct. 5th, 1915, at Kingston, Ont.

Colours accompanied Unit to England; were later returned to Canada and placed in an Edmonton Church.

Colours subscribed for by Citizens of Edmonton, Canada, and presented in Dec., 1915, at Edmonton, by Major Henry. Now in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Colours presented to Unit by Ladies’ Auxiliary Society, formed by wives of the officers. Presented at Westcana Park, Regina, shortly before Unit left for England. Now deposited in Canterbury Cathedral.

Colours made by ladies of Montreal, but not finished in time to be presented to Battalion before it left for England. Now deposited in St. James’s Cathedral, Montreal.

Colours presented by the Sportsmen’s Patriotic Society of London, Ont., Feb. 17th, 1917, and deposited in Westminster Abbey on Aug. 14th, 1916, for duration of war.

Colours presented by the Public Schools of Simcoe County, Ont., and deposited in the Methodist Church, Georgetown, Ont.

Colours given by Mrs. Thomas Ahearn, the President, the Directors and Employees of the Ottawa Light, Heat, and Power Company, with which Company Col. Street has been 141connected for many years. Presented on June 8th, 1915, by General Sir Sam Hughes; now deposited in Westminster Abbey.

Regimental colours presented by the Ketcheson family on July 20th, presentation being made by Miss Nelly Ketcheson, daughter of the Mayor of Belleville, Ont.

Colours made by Lady Borden, and presented to the Battalion, Sept. 25th, 1916; deposited in Parish Church, Witley.

Colours donated by Mrs. Sandford; presented by Lady Aberdeen, on May 16th, 1916; deposited in Canterbury Cathedral on Oct. 21st, 1916.

Colours presented by Citizens and School Children of Niagara Falls; not finished in time to be brought to England with Battalion; now deposited in the Armouries at Niagara Falls.

Colours deposited in Windsor Parish Church, England; presented to Battalion by the Daughters of the Empire, Windsor, Ont.

Colours donated by the ladies of Ottawa; presented by Lady Borden, wife of the Prime Minister, on Sept. 5th, 1916.

Colours donated and presented by Lady Eaton, in presence of Sir Sam Hughes, on May 24th, 1916.

Colours presented by the Ladies of South Waterloo County through the Daughters of the Empire, Galt, Ont. Deposited in Trinity Church, Galt, Ont.

Colours made by Miss Pratt, of Windsor, Nova Scotia, and presented to the Battalion by Mrs. Tremain, wife of the O.C., July 21st, 1916; deposited in Christ Church, Windsor, N.S., Canada, on following day.

Colours presented by Junior Relief Club, of Uxbridge, Ont., on May 20th, 1916; presentation made by James Godfrey, K.C., of Toronto, on May 20th, 1916. Deposited in Westminster Abbey on Oct. 7th, 1916.

Colours made in Montreal, and presented by the Eastern Township Board of Trade, of Sherbrooke, May 29th, 1916.

Was presented with colours of 10th Royal Grenadiers, its parent regiment, on May 7th, 1916. Now deposited in Church of All Saints, Witley, Surrey.

Colours presented by Toronto Open Air Horse Parade Association, in Toronto, July 1st, 1916. Now deposited in Witley Church, Surrey.

Colours presented by Mrs. Cockshutt, wife of the Hon. Colonel of the Battalion, at Brantford, Ont., May 17th, 1916, deposited in Parish Church, Chart, Surrey, May 12th, 1917. They were carried in honour of the Queen Mother in London on May 11th, 1917.

Regimental colours of the 12th Regiment of the York Rangers; now deposited in Trinity Church, Aurora, Ont.

These colours were made by an invalid lady of Moose Jaw, Mrs. Eleanor Lane; presented by the Lieut.-Governor of Saskatchewan, on May 1st, 1916, and for nearly a year took their prominent place on ceremonial parades of the Battalion. 143Deposited in Bristol Cathedral, England, on March 11th, 1917.

Colours presented by Independent Order of the Daughters of the Empire, Perth Chapter, Perth, Ont., on May 21st, 1915; deposited in St. James’ Church, Perth, Ont., on Sept. 10th, 1916.

Colours presented by Earl of Chatham, Chapter of the I.O.D.E. of Chatham, N.B., on Aug. 1st, 1916; consecrated by Venerable Archdeacon Forsyth, of Chatham; deposited in Westminster Abbey.

Colours given by Norfolk Branch, Daughters of the Empire; presented by Sir John Hurdrie, Lieut.-Governor of Province of Ontario, July 7th, 1916; deposited in the County Council Chambers, Simcoe, Ont.

Colours presented to Battalion by Dr. H. A. McCallam on June 27th, 1916; brought to England, but later returned to Canada, and deposited in the Anglican Church, Strathroy, Ont.

Colours presented to Battalion by Col. J. L. Hughes, of Toronto, at Port Hope, Ont., in July, 1916; deposited in St. Mark’s Church, Port Hope, on Sept. 18th, 1916.

Colours presented by Military Chapter of the I.O.D.E. on Aug. 12th, 1916; now deposited in Westminster Abbey.

Colours made by an invalid lady in Edmonton, and presented by A. J. Ewing, Esq., K.C., M.P.P., and Mrs. Ewing, of Edmonton, on July 1st, 1916. They are to be deposited in Edmonton.

Colours presented by the citizens of the Town of Coburg, May 27th, 1916; deposited in St. Peter’s Church, Coburg, Ont.

Colours made by Messrs. Ryrie Brothers, Toronto, and presented by Sir Adam and Lady Beck, of London, Ont., on Aug. 19th, 1916; deposited in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ont.

Colours presented by citizens of Kingston, Ont.; deposited in St. Andrew’s Church, Kingston, Ont.

Colours made by Messrs. Robert Simpson & Co., as a gift from the County of Gray; presented by Mr. A. E. Cordingely, on Aug. 22nd, 1916; now deposited at Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Colours made and presented by Mrs. Gavin Ogilvie, in March, 1917; they are to be deposited in Redpath Library, McGill University.

Colours presented by Mr. Blair, Provost, Alberta; deposited in the Parliament Buildings of the Province of Alberta, at Edmonton.

Colours presented by the Daughters of the Empire, Weyburn, July 22nd, 1916. Deposited in Canterbury Cathedral.

Colours presented at Cornwall County, Ont., Aug. 24th, 1916, by the Ladies of St. Lawrence Chapter of the I.O.D.E. Presentation made by the Regent of the Chapter; colours now with the Battalion.

Colours presented by the Argyll Chapter of the I.O.D.E., July 29th, 1916, at Belleville, Ont., returned to Canada for deposit in St. Thomas’ Church, Belleville, Ont.

Colours presented by Mr. M. A. Hallidey, Chesley, Ont., June 3rd, 1916, Premier Hearst and Lieut.-Col. Rev. Dr. Johnstone, officiating.

Colours made and presented by the Daughters of the Empire, Exeter, Ont.; deposited in the Court House at Goderich, Ont.

Colours presented by the Women’s Auxiliary, on Oct. 5th, 1916; deposited in Church of the Ascension, Toronto, Ont.

Colours presented to the 91st Regiment, Canadian Active Militia, by the Ladies of Hamilton, in Sept., 1904; presented by the 91st Regiment to the 145173rd Battalion in Oct., 1916. Will be deposited in a Scotch cathedral.

Colours presented by Messrs. J. H. Collier and J. Shield, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Sept. 26th, 1916; deposited in Westminster Abbey.

Colours presented by the Sportsmen’s Patriotic Association of Toronto, Nov. 20th, 1916; deposited in the City Hall, Toronto.

Colours made by Lady Borden, wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, and presented by her to the Battalion on Sept. 25th, 1916.

Colours presented by the I.O.D.E. of Innisfail, Alberta; presentation made by A. E. Witchener, Esq., M.P.P., in June, 1916; deposited in Westminster Abbey, March 3rd, 1916.

Colours donated by Mr. Whitney, of Calgary, March, 1917; remained in Calgary at the Unit Headquarters.

Colours presented by the Hon. A. C. Rutherford, Ex-Premier of Alberta, at Edmonton, on May 27th, 1916; deposited for safe keeping in the Bank of Montreal, London Office.

Colours manufactured by Messrs. Henry Berks & Son, of Winnipeg; are a gift of Salisbury Plain’s Chapter of the I.O.D.E., Regina, Saskatchewan, and were presented on June 5th, 1916, at Regina; deposited in Parliament Buildings, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Colours made and presented by the Woman’s Auxiliary, March, 1917; deposited in St. Andrew’s Church, Moose Jaw.

Colours presented by the Ladies of Parkdale Chapter of the I.O.D.E. of Toronto; they are with the Unit in France.

The Battle Honours given In Chapter IX. are not included in the Index, as they appear in alphabetic order. Nor are the Canadian Regiments (Appendix) given, as they are listed in numerical order.

1. Quoted from S. M. Milne.

3. Prepared in 1747, but issued in 1751.

4. Napier’s spelling is adhered to.

6. Cf. the Foot Guards.

7. A Certificate has been issued to each man serving in the Coldstreams during the War bearing the statement: “This is to inform the relatives and friends of —— that he has served his King and Country as a soldier, No. —— in the Coldstream Guards, during the Great European War.” The card is decorated with this colour and one of later date. The idea might well be followed by other regiments.

8. Now that the number of battalions has been increased in each regiment it would, perhaps, be more accurate to make the division between Regular Battalions and Territorial Force Battalions.

9. Refer to description of Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment).

10. The Canadians have not followed this rule, for the reader may see examples of Arabic numerals on the colours decorating Wolfe’s monument in Westminster Abbey.

11. New colours are now given the badge.

12. i.e., Regimental colours.

13. Ward Dell, in “The Regiment,” Jan. 27, 1917.

14. Ward Dell, in “The Regiment,” Dec. 30, 1916.

15. From “The Regiment,” Nov. 4, 1916.

16. “The Regiment,” Jan. 6, 1917.

17. “The Regiment,” Dec. 9, 1916.

18. From the notice appearing with the exhibit at the Museum.

19. Ward Dell, “The Regiment,” March 24, 1917.

20. Description placed with the exhibit.

21. i.e., Battle Honours.

22. Ralph Nevill. British Military Prints.

23. The Royal Canadian Regiment is the only regular unit in the Canadian Forces. It was first raised in December, 1883, for the purpose of instructing the Canadian Militia, and was called the Infantry School Corps. Since then it has been known as the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry, then the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry, and later by its present title. In 1894 H.M. Queen Victoria gave her Imperial Cypher V.R.I. as a badge. The Regiment was increased during the South African War by the raising of a 2nd and 3rd Battalion; these were afterwards disbanded. In 1885 the Regiment took part in the suppression of the North West Rebellion under General Middleton at Batoche and Cut-Knife Creek. In 1896 it formed part of the Expedition sent up to police the New Yukon District, where it remained for two years. In 1899–1900, the 2nd Battalion fought in South Africa with the 19th Brigade, doing particularly good service at Paardeburg. In 1905 the establishment was increased, when the Imperial Troops handed over the garrisoning of the fortresses at Halifax and elsewhere to Canadian Troops. In 1914, on the outbreak of war, the Battalion relieved the 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment at Bermuda, where it remained for eleven months. It landed in France in November, 1915, and took part in the battle of Ypres of June, 1916, Somme, September, 1916, and Vimy, 1917. It particularly distinguished itself on the Somme and Vimy. H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught is Colonel of the Regiment. In 1901, H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York (now H.M. King George V.) presented Colours to the Regiment at Toronto. In 1904, H.E. Lord Minto, Governor-General of Canada, presented at Ottawa a special Banner given by H.M. King Edward VII. for service in South Africa.

This work is a popular account of the medals which have been awarded to the Navy and Army since their introduction in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. There are twelve chapters, which deal in turn with the various classes of medals; fifty-nine illustrations from photographs, depicting the most noteworthy specimens; and four coloured plates with representations of sixty-one medal ribbons and miniatures of ten foreign decorations. The letterpress not only describes the actual medals, but gives data concerning the making of medals, the chief medallists, the regulations which affect the granting of medals, the circumstances which have influenced such awards, etc. Many Colonial medals and ribbons are described, and there is an interesting appendix which deals with the chief Foreign awards, with special reference to those of Our Allies.

This work is a popular account of the medals which have been awarded to the Navy and Army since their introduction in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. There are twelve chapters, which deal, in turn, with the various classes of medals; fifty-nine illustrations from photographs, depicting the most noteworthy specimens; and four coloured plates with representations of sixty-one medal ribbons. The letterpress not only describes the actual medals but gives data concerning the making of medals, the chief medallists, the regulations which affect the granting of medals, the circumstances which have influenced such awards, etc. Many Colonial medals and ribbons are described, and there is an interesting appendix which deals with the chief Foreign awards, with special reference to those issued to British officers and men by our Allies.

“It is a first-class and very interesting book of reference.”—The Guardian.

“This is a timely book, well compiled and excellently illustrated. Civilians are frequently puzzled to identify ribbons and medals of even recent origin, and how few have any knowledge of the hundreds of awards for service and gallantry, modern and historical, which exist in connection with the two Services. By means of Mr. Johnson’s compact volume they can learn all that a reasonably well-informed reader need know about these matters.... Most people will be glad to possess the volume, and for older boys it will prove an excellent gift book.”—The Bookman.

“This little book ... tells in a wholly attractive manner the wonderful story of the British Army from the very earliest days to the present time.”—United Service Magazine.

“Tells a wonderful story in bright and attractive style. It is interesting and informative.”—Western Mail.

“In bright and interesting style it tells the wonderful story of the Army, touching on many points not usually dealt with in works of the kind.... Easy to read, anecdotal and descriptive, the volume is just one to place in the hands of those who wish to know more about the Army than can be learned from general reading.”—The Guardian.

“This small book contains a wonderful amount of information concerning the history of the Royal Navy, from the days of King Alfred the Great to King George V., and is a book that would appeal to all lovers of naval history. It is essentially for the young, but much could be learned by adults from this interesting volume.”—Naval Warrant Officers’ Journal.

“The book will be irresistible to boys who love sea stories, as many of our established heroes figure in its pages.”—The Schoolmistress.

1. Second Troop of Horse Guards, 1687.	2. 5th Dragoon Guards, 1687.
3.	4.
3. and 4. 2nd Dragoon Guards, 1742.
5. General Grove’s Regiment (10th Foot), 1726.	6. 27th Inniskilling Regiment, 1747.
7. 103rd Regiment, 1780.	8. 14th Regiment (Second Battalion), 1812.
Plate 1. Early Regimental Colours and Standards

1.—Early Regimental Colours and Standards	Frontispiece.

	Facing page

2.—Cavalry Standards, Guidons and Drum Banners	36

3.—Colours of the Foot Guards	54

4.—Saving the Colours of the Buffs at Albuhera	68

5.—Colours of the Infantry of the Line (Regular Battalions)	80

6.—Regimental Colours of the Territorial Force	98

7.—Colour Party of the 15th Sikhs	116

8.—Miscellaneous Guidons and Colours	122

9. Regimental Standard of the 2nd Life Guards.	10. Standard of the 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards.
11. Standard of the 3rd (Prince of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards.	12. Drum banner of the 17th (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers.
13. Drum banner of the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers.	14. Drum banner of the 13th Hussars.
15. Guidon of the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).	16. Guidon of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.
Plate 2. Cavalry Standards, Guidons and Drum Banners

17. King’s Colour of the Grenadier Guards (1st Battalion).	18. Regimental Colour of the Grenadier Guards (15th Company).
19. King’s Colour of the Coldstream Guards (1st Battalion).	20. Regimental Colour of the Coldstream Guards (1st Company).
21. King’s Colour of the Scots Guards (1st Battalion).	22. Regimental Colour of the Scots Guards (9th Company).
23. King’s Colour of the Irish Guards.	24. King’s Colour of the Welsh Guards.
Plate 3. Colours of the Foot Guards

25. King’s Colour of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.	26. Regimental Colour of the Norfolk Regiment.
27. Regimental Colour of the buffs (East Kent Regiment).	28. Regimental Colour of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
29. Regimental Colour of the Bedfordshire Regiment.	30. Regimental Colour of the Hampshire Regiment.
31. Regimental Colour of the Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment.	32. Regimental Colour of the Dorsetshire Regiment.
Plate 4. Colours of the Infantry of the Line (Regular Battalions)

THE FLAGS
OF OUR FIGHTING ARMY
INCLUDING STANDARDS, GUIDONS, COLOURS AND DRUM BANNERS

PREFACE

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
IN COLOUR

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER II
A HISTORY OF MILITARY COLOURS

CHAPTER III
STANDARDS, GUIDONS AND DRUM BANNERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY, DRAGOON GUARDS, AND CAVALRY OF THE LINE

CHAPTER IV
YEOMANRY GUIDONS AND DRUM BANNERS

CHAPTER V
THE COLOURS OF THE FOOT GUARDS

CHAPTER VI
THE COLOURS OF THE INFANTRY

CHAPTER VII
COLOURS OF OUR OVERSEAS DOMINIONS.

CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS COLOURS

CHAPTER IX
BATTLE HONOURS

APPENDIX
REGIMENTAL COLOURS OF CANADIAN INFANTRY BATTALIONS

INDEX.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

33. East Yorkshire Regiment (4th Battalion).	34. Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own [Yorkshire Regiment] (4th Battalion).
35. The Northumberland Fusiliers (5th Battalion).	36. The London Regiment (7th [City of London] Battalion).
37. The Suffolk Regiment (4th Battalion).	38. The King’s [Shropshire Light Infantry] (4th Battalion).
39. Honourable Artillery Company, Infantry.	40. The London Regiment, (Blackheath and Woolwich, 20th [County of London] Battalion).
Plate 5. Regimental Colours of the Territorial Force

41. Guidon of the Essex Yeomanry.	42. Guidon of the 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons).
43. Special Regimental Colour of the 12th Pioneers (The Kelat-i-Ghilzie Regiment), Indian Army.	44. Regimental Colour of the 62nd Punjabis, Indian Army.
45. Colour of the Royal Marine Light Infantry.	46. King’s Colour of the Royal Guernsey Militia (2nd Battalion).
47. Regimental Colour of the West India Regiment (2nd Battalion).	48. Colour of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Plate 6. Miscellaneous Guidons and Colours

AGENTS:

AMERICA	THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
		64 & 66 Fifth Avenue, NEW YORK

AUSTRALASIA	OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
		205 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE

CANADA	THE MACMILLAN COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD.
		St. Martin’s House, 70 Bond Street, TORONTO

INDIA	MACMILLAN & COMPANY, LTD.
		Macmillan Building, BOMBAY
		309 Bow Bazaar Street, CALCUTTA

THE FLAGS OF OUR FIGHTING ARMY INCLUDING STANDARDS, GUIDONS, COLOURS AND DRUM BANNERS

PREFACE

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOUR

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER II A HISTORY OF MILITARY COLOURS

CHAPTER III STANDARDS, GUIDONS AND DRUM BANNERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY, DRAGOON GUARDS, AND CAVALRY OF THE LINE

CHAPTER IV YEOMANRY GUIDONS AND DRUM BANNERS

CHAPTER V THE COLOURS OF THE FOOT GUARDS

CHAPTER VI THE COLOURS OF THE INFANTRY

CHAPTER VII COLOURS OF OUR OVERSEAS DOMINIONS.

CHAPTER VIII MISCELLANEOUS COLOURS

CHAPTER IX BATTLE HONOURS

APPENDIX REGIMENTAL COLOURS OF CANADIAN INFANTRY BATTALIONS