Chapter I: Preface

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.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I.— INTRODUCTION 1

II.— A HISTORY OF MILITARY COLOURS 6

III.— STANDARDS, GUIDONS AND DRUM BANNERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD 36
CAVALRY, DRAGOON GUARDS AND CAVALRY OF THE LINE

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

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
IN COLOUR

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 80
BATTALIONS)

6.—REGIMENTAL COLOURS OF THE TERRITORIAL FORCE 98

7.—COLOUR PARTY OF THE 15TH SIKHS 116

8.—MISCELLANEOUS GUIDONS AND COLOURS 122

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THE FLAGS OF OUR
FIGHTING ARMY.