Colours To those of you just browsing this web site or those who do not have a military background here is some information on why COLOURS are so important to us. Each Infantry battalion has Two Colours, the Queen’s Colour and the Regimental Colour.
Originally the Colours were used as a means to identify the Regiment and were carried in battle at the centre of the front rank where they could be easily seen and recognised. They became the rallying point in battle and often the centre of much bitter hand to hand fighting. In 1811, after the battle of Albuhera, it was decided that Colours would no longer be carried into battle. However there are recorded incidents of Colours being carried after this date the most famous
being the 24th Foot, who lost their Colours at Isandhwana in 1879. Since the Peninsular War, Battle Honours have been place on Colours and thus they symbolise the courage, sacrifice and steadfastness of the men who have served the Regiment in past campaigns. The colours are consecrated and are entitled to the highest military honours. They provide a constant reminder to the Regiment of its undying responsibility to be worthy of its glorious
traditions and its past service to Sovereign and Country. The Colours are the Regiment’s proudest possessions. Extract from the programme for the New Colours Parade |