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 battalion (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 for 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.
Battle honours are, as a rule, shown on the regimental colours only.
The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment).—Facings, blue.
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.
The 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.
The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).—Facings, buff.
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.
The 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.
The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment).—Facings, blue.
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.
The Northumberland Fusiliers.—Facings, gosling green.
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.
The colours of the 5th battalion are shown in Fig. 35.
The Royal Warwickshire Regiment.—Facings, blue.
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; Orthes; Peninsula; Niagara; South Africa, 1846-7, 1851-2-3; Atbara; Khartoum; South Africa, 1899-1902.
The “Niagara” honour is shared with but few other regiments.
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 to 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]
The 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.
The Norfolk Regiment.—Facings, yellow.
R.C.—The figure of Britannia. This flag is shown in Fig. 26.
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.
The Lincolnshire Regiment.—Facings, white.
R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.” The central 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.
R.C.—The Castle of Exeter. Motto, “Semper fidelis” (Always faithful).
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.
The Suffolk Regiment.—Facings, yellow.
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).
Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry).—Facings, blue.
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 the 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, added 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.
R.C.—The White Rose is the central badge.
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.
The colours of the 4th battalion are shown in Fig. 33.
The Bedfordshire Regiment.—Facings, white.
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.
The Leicestershire Regiment.—Facings, white.
R.C.—The Royal Tiger, superscribed “Hindoostan,” placed below the union wreath, a numeral figuring in the space for the central badge.
The 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.
The Royal Irish Regiment.—Facings, blue.
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 the 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.
The colours of the 4th battalion are shown in Fig. 31.
The Lancashire Fusiliers.—Facings, white.
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 again 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.”
The Royal Scots Fusiliers.—Facings, blue.
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 motto of this Order is “Nemo me impune lacessit.”
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 may 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.
R.C.—The united Red and White Rose.
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.
The Royal Welsh Fusiliers.—Facings, blue.
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 King’s colour of this regiment is shown in Fig. 25.
The Brecknockshire Battalion possesses a colour bearing the Red Dragon, passant.
The South Wales Borderers.—Facings, grass green.
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 troops, 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 discovered 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.
The King’s Own Scottish Borderers.—Facings, blue.
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.
The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
Rifle regiments do not possess colours.
The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.—Facings, blue.
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)
The Worcestershire Regiment.—Facings, white.
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; Pyrenees; 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.
R.C.—The united Red and White Rose, placed beneath the union wreath.
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.
The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.—Facings, white.
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.
The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment).—Facings, scarlet.
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 elephant with a howdah is obviously a badge gained for services in India.
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.
This 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 for 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 were retired from service at Dublin in 1851, prior to the 33rd proceeding to the Crimea.
The Border Regiment.—Facings, white.
R.C.—A laurel wreath. The Dragon, superscribed “China.”
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 remains 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]
The Royal Sussex Regiment.—Facings, blue.
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.
The 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 South Staffordshire Regiment.—Facings, white.
R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” placed below the union wreath.
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.
The Dorsetshire Regiment.—Facings, grass green.
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 was 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.
R.C.—The plume of the Prince of Wales. The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt.”
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 and 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.
The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).—Facings, blue.
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 Africa, 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.
R.C.—The united Red and White Rose.
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, were 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 distinguished 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.”
The Essex Regiment.—Facings, white.
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 point 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.
R.C.—The united Red and White Rose.
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 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.—Facings, white.
R.C.—The Red Rose.
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.
The Northamptonshire Regiment.—Facings, white.
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.
Princess Charlotte of Wales’s (Royal Berkshire Regiment).—Facings, blue.
R.C.—The Dragon, superscribed “China,” below the union wreath.
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]
The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).—Facings, blue.
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.
The King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry).—Facings, blue.
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.
The King’s (Shropshire Light Infantry).—Facings, blue.
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 colours of the 4th battalion are shown in Fig. 38.
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 King’s Royal Rifle Corps.—Rifle regiments do not possess colours.
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.
The 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.
R.C.—The Sphinx, superscribed “Egypt,” placed below the union wreath.
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 disaster and its happy sequel should be read to all the units of the Army.