Colour Sergeant
In 1813 the rank of Colour Sergeant was introduced into the British Army. The Colour Sergeant' role was to attend the Colours at all times in the field.
The Colours
The practice of carrying Colours of Uniform design to identify each regiment and provide a rally point in the confusion of battle commenced in 1639. The Colours were carried in Battle in the centre of the front rank between the centre companies where they could be easily seen and recognised. This had a highly moral raising effect on the spirits of the troops. It also meant that the once battle was joined the Colour Party became an obvious target and the centre would see the most bitter fighting.
Since 1751, regiments have been allowed two Colours only; the King or Queen’s Colour and the Regimental Colour. Although no longer carried into battle, Colours remain the symbol of the Regiment, for on them are born the battle honours granted in recognition of gallant deeds performed by its members
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Ensigns holding the Regimental and Kings Colours 1829-43 |
The colours are to be carried on parade by the two senior Ensigns present. The highest respect is invariably to be shown them, and no Officer or soldier should ever pass the colours of his own Regiment, or those of any other, without saluting them.
The Queens Colours
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The Queens Colours or first colour of every regiment was the Great Union. In the centre was a device showing the royal cipher VR and crown and indicating the regiment and battle honours. The centre devise featured the Regimental title in gold letters was displayed in the centre of the flag on a crimson centre background and crown over as per regulations. The flag was six feet six inches (1.9m) flying and six feet (1.82m) down the staff. The length of the staff, spear point and ferrule combined was nine feet ten inches (2.9m). The cords and tassels of the whole to be crimson and gold mixed. |
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The Regimental Colours of the 80th
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This was yellow as is the regimental facings with the Red Cross of St. George throughout. The device consisted of the regimental badge on a crimson centre, within a circle inscribed with the regimental title in gold (yellow) and the crown over. The sphinx with Egypt and the other battle honours according to regulation. In the upper canton next to the pike or staff was the number of the regiment in Roman Numerals. Battle Honours included Egypt with the Sphinx, The flag was the same size as the Queen’s Colour, six feet six inches (1.9m) flying and six feet (1.82m) down the staff. The length of the staff, spear point and ferrule combined was nine feet ten inches (2.9m). The cords and tassels of the whole to be crimson and gold mixed. |
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Company Flags This flag indicated the company. This was a flag of facing colour, (yellow) some eighteen inches (46cm) square. On this flag was the name of the Regiment and the company. The staff was to be seven feet six inches (2.2m) long, except those of the Quarter and rear guards, which are to be nine feet. This flag was used to mark the ends of the company when in line or wheeling into line and was used to mark the point where the marker was to form. |
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