‘A Moth-Eaten Rag' - The EPIC Story of British Regimental Colours and the Battles to Protect Them

The infantry colours of regiments of the British Army are incredibly important - perhaps even the reason why the British army has always been one of the best in the world.
But what is their significance, and why, for centuries now, have men gone to extraordinary lengths to defend them, performing amazing feats of courage and bravery?
In todays video I am going to answer all of those questions…share some incredible stories and, at the end, explain why colours still matter to British army regiments.
A special thanks to Chris Brice for researching and writing this video.
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[@redcoathistory]

Hi guys. Apologies I made two mistakes - I called the 44th the East Kents - of course I meant the east Essex. I also got feet and yards mixed up when describing the size of the colours. Apologies and I hope it doesn’t detract from the film.

[@christopherburnham1612]

We forgive you , at least you tried to exhale us, don't worry about it,

[@chrisakers3499]

We all make mistakes,so don't worry about it. I'm glad that Gandamak was mentioned, having served in the unit,which were their direct descendants,we also had access to the French eagle that they captured at Salamanca,plus the Mons drum from The Bedfordshire Regiment was carried by a drummer in the colour party . Keep up the good work.

[@GravesRWFiA]

the 43rd is the Oxfordshire light infantry, later the ox and bucks, do you know when they were called the Monmouthshire's?

[@sharky3864]

@@chrisakers3499 ALL THE 4SSSS

[@zetectic7968]

9:05 Burkshire Foot? Surely Barkshire/Berkshire.

[@bendavies8881]

The Soviet Army in World War II used exactly the same system. The 24th Iron Division, lost its colors in the early fighting around Minsk, and was consequently disbanded in shame. When an investigation was carried out two years later, an old man said that he had found an officer clutching the flag, and had buried him wrapped up in it. Once his claim was verified, the division was reconstituted.

[@AtheAetheling]

It's a clever system because it gives the soldiers something tangible to fight for, instead of more vague notions of the greater campaign. Quite often they take it upon themselves to perform heroic acts of bravery to save the colours without being ordered to.

[@redcoathistory]

That’s a great story - thanks for sharing

[@christopherburnham1612]

@@AtheAetheling you must protect the colours

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Christ, that's a great story. I'm glad to realize that officer's bravery was finally realized and acknowledged. His final act on this earth was clutching the colors of his unit, defending them with his life. Rest easy brave warrior, you preserved your unit's honor.

[@julianmhall]

Reminds me of an episode of Sharpe when Spanish insurgents wanted his aid in raising the gonfalon of Santiago. He said 'Why would you fight for a rag on a pole?' Hogan replied 'You do Richard, you do..'

[@redcoathistory]

Oh yes I remember that - a classic line

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

What a brilliant line!

[@forlornfool221]

Asumpta serina

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

Yes! One of my favorite Shape novels

[@lostintransportation]

Sharpe, like any proper soldier, fights for his mates.

[@hiramabiff2017]

When I was a Royal Green Jacket army cadet, many moons ago now, our drill hall was a large building along Sun Street near Liverpool st stn in central London ( now long gone and a office block there ). From full sized air tight glass encased mannequins wearing original 95th regimental uniforms to the massive elaborate 95th memorial silverware displays on the officers dining table, we were in awe of as boys , we were surrounded by so much history we eventually just took it for granted. The was even a Cuirassiers breastplate & crossed lances from the battle of Waterloo 1815 above the fireplace in the upstairs private officers lounge where we would steward once every two weeks and get a £5. And I'll never forget the Parquet flooring so highly polished by the caretaker you could use it as a mirror, he was also our colour sergeant and lived there with his family. But it was the " Colours " above the drill hall bar that I will always nostalgically remember. How could a poorly educated piss poor kid from Hoxton market get his head around wanting to fight in far off places he had never heard of before, all because of some discoloured thread bare bits of cloth & silk hanging on a wall in a glass case. I would look at those names I could barely make out for ages, Salamanca, Lucknow, Tel-el-Kebir, and barely be able to spell them, but every part of me wanted to be there. The Colours are a representation of the courage and determination a man will go to for his friends and the honour of the regiment. The is a pride and stirring in you when the Colours or your regiment are at stake that just sticks with you forever. I joined the junior leaders at 17 and sadly 13mnths later left the army. Having ( distant/un-met ) family members in Ireland who were convicted of terrorist offences meant I would only ever be in charge of invoicing band equipment, if i was lucky.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. That’s a great story and very much appreciated. It must have been great to be in the drill hall and see such amazing history.

[@12dougreed]

Been to sun street many times to our reunion After Clifton street, now Winchester. The green jackets RB have never had colours All our battle honours are on our Badge including the RGJ badge. Our regiment was taken out of line by Wellington After Waterloo we then became the Rifle Brigade And never had colours. Black and Green the finest colours ever seen.

[@hiramabiff2017]

I don't ned instructions on what battle honours are on the cap badge, and I am sure whoever took the time and effort many years ago to make those flags and those who framed them and put them on display were not doing it to deceive anyone but to honour and hope people appreciate their skill. @@12dougreed

[@stephenhargreaves9324]

@@12dougreed That's interesting, seeing as you can buy copies on-line.

[@garethjones8576]

I’ve got miniature copies of my regimental colours hanging in my home. They are the regiments identity and history which links me to the past men who fought under them.

[@NSWLancer]

As a young 2LT I recall being handed the real Regimental Colour for the first time just before going on parade (we had practiced with range flags in sticks). I took the chance to throw it up and check the weight, I thought the roof was high enough; it wasn't. 'Till that building burned down, the roof plaster carried the image of a crown on a lion's head. That Colour (thankfully not damaged by my exploit) is now laid up at St Spyridon's Church Kensington NSW. Later in my military service I marched with Guidons, not Colours. I find now after 28 years in retirement I am being consulted as to which of the 34 honours to reduce to 21 for display on the new Guidon, 1 replacing 2. Something I despair, never able to get right.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic thanks a lot for sharing. I hope your CO wasn’t too angry at the damaged ceiling…

[@NSWLancer]

That CO was never the wiser, thankfully.

[@GravesRWFiA]

sounds liek a friend of mine who was a cpl in the DoW on guard duty , on a rainy day he ay his col coming and wanted to impress him with a really smart present, unfortunately he didn't allow for the low roof of his guard post and impaled the thing with his bayonet as the officer went by. Desperately trying to pull it free to finish the present the col said "don't bother"

[@alonsocushing2263]

As many of you probably know, gunners see their guns as their 'colours'. I served with the RAA in Malaysia in 67/68 on 105mm Italian pack howitzers. The guns were painted in jungle green except for the position on the barrel jacket where the Royal crest was stamped. This was left as base metal and was usually polished after cleaning the rest of the gun.

[@TheEddiePing]

Correction I'm ex Royal Artillery ex junior leader the guns of an Artillery regiment were at my time of service still the colours . It's the reason for the Artillery cap badge and the loss of colour in chevrons after the engineers took up a gun position that an Artillery troop had left . Or round abouts and the reason for the inter Regimental hostility banter Craic the see part I find incorrect I was trained they were the colour and like this programme explained are not to be lost

[@Adam7510]

In Poland ther is "Act of Military Emblems" which stipulates in article 8 that "A unit which, due the weakness of combat spirit, loses its colours is subject of disband".

[@captainkarrian7892]

Last time I was up in scotland, managed to go round the public and museum parts of fort george near Inverness, got to see the colours of the black watch that had been taken to the crimean war, a truly humbling experience, gave me chills being in the same room as them.

[@user-bu9ju5ic9h]

My father was a Princess Patricia. When I was a child I watched the trooping of the colour. Still love to watch the ceremony.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Your father was a "Princess Patricia" ? You might want to amend that.....

[@ElBearsidente]

Colours were massive, because in the days of black powder it didn't take long for the battlefield being covered with a lot of smoke. You needed to be able to identify your own guys. Same reason why different countries had different uniform colors. As tech advanced the colours got smaller. With smokeless powder such a big identifier wasn't necessary anymore. Most countries also stopped carrying them into the field as uniforms become less visible. Except the French. In the beginning of WW1, when the British, Germans, Austrians, etc, all wore shades of khaki or grey, the French marched into battle in blue coats, red trousers, and, in the case of heavy cavalry, shining armor. The infantry carried their colours into combat as well. There are photos of French regimental colours where there's only the pole and some bits of cloth left, because that's what modern weapons did to the colours.

[@82ismi]

The Germans took their colours even to the trenches at first, from where they were withdrawn later.

[@i.gtindle74]

I was a Royal Green jacket and we had No Colours.. No Flag ,Being a Rifle Regiment . However we did have Colour Sergeants and not staff Sergeants.. Odd don't you think?

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

How funny and British is that! You had no Colours but you had Colour Sergeants! I read a bit about you, the Royal Green Jackets. I have to say, riflemen were better soldiers than the overrated Guards who were the darlings of the media and the Establishment. BTW, What do you think of Mark Urban's book "Rifles"? Respect and greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@goodyeoman4534]

"You lost the colours of the King of England. You disgraced us, sir! You shamed us, sir! You shall answer." Love a good Wellington rant.

[@redcoathistory]

My favourite scene in the entire series!

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

For me, that scene is the finest of the whole series! The actor playing Wellington deserved a BAFTA award

[@VilhelmHammershoi1666]

The last King of England was William III 1689. You lost the Kings colours, which was the quote by Wellington Sir

[@thebullfrog9416]

The Duke Wellington colours scene is probably my favourite scene in the whole show

[@redcoathistory]

Me too. It’s excellent

[@anselmdanker9519]

There is an interesting statue of Mathew Latham , with his arm cut off, his face split and holding the colours with the French lancer towering over him .

[@redcoathistory]

Oh fantastic. Where is that?

[@anselmdanker9519]

@@redcoathistory It is at PWRR and Queens museum in London .

[@redcoathistory]

@@anselmdanker9519 thanks a lot. Will try and see it when possible.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

It isn't just Redcoats that were worried about their colors. Hell, I'm a Civil War reenactor and I reenact a Regular US Army regiment whose original colors were captured by the British in the War of 1812. Looking it up, those colors kept at Chelsea Hospital. We all keep joking that we ought fly over and steal them back. Then mail them anonymously to the current CO of the regiment in the modern US Army with pre-paid postage back to Chelsea. I'm guessing there is a 1000% chance that the CO and SGM have their photos taken with the colors before they're put back into the mail 🤣 Second comment: Quick side story... some guy made off with my reenacting unit's colors as a joke. We turned both camps [Federal and Confederate] upside down until we reacquired our flag and the next day we snuck into his camp and dragged his bedding out into the rain... 'as a joke'. PROTIP: DO NOT fuck with another unit's colors. It will not go well for you...

[@natewatts195]

1812 you say. I’m interested in what American uniforms looked like in the war of 1812 so if you have a chance to upload videos I’d appreciate it. I currently have AWI British and Continentals painted up. Now I need 1812 Americans to fight my Napoleonic British.

[@beefsuprem0241]

The colours and more importantly what they represent are a rare thing in today's society. I remember as a non infantry snco but using an infantry mess seeing them almost daily and looking at them and the history stiched into them. I grew up watching Sharpe and such and then seeing names of places like Talavera or Waterloo and then later Arnhem on the colours leaves you with a sense of awe.

[@keithagn]

Another exceptional story from Redcoat History! I was filled with pride to hear these brave stories. Thank you!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Keith. Yes British military history should make us all proud.

[@grizzlyblackpowder1960]

I mean many countries still use banners for their military units. I served with first cavalry here in the US, and we had a standard marked with honored deployments of the unit. I served with many from Gary Owen seven first, they don't have a standard as theirs were lost at the bighorn. It's not just that either, many us units have specific badges and coins made for their soldiers who preform well.

[@TheAg812]

Great content! The colours of the Guards are still (publicly) prominent in London & Windsor during guard mount💂🏻‍♀️ when the monarch is in residence. The cavalry in particular (as not strictly speaking having colours but standards) they are on prominent display in Barracks and renewed/rededicated every 10 years I think

[@andyleighton6969]

It's not just the size, it's the weight - heavy silk with tons of silk embroidery. Never had to carry one out in the weather - imagine if it was soaking wet - but even booting them was a job in itself. [When not displayed they're kept in long leather tubes called boots]

[@AtheAetheling]

Great video. Losing just 30 colours over that period of time is very impressive, especially when you take into account those recaptured later, plus consider the circumstances of how many were lost when literally everyone protecting them had died; at which point surely you've done all you can. In comparison, some armies lost huge amounts in one or two battles, such as the poor Prussians at Jena-Auerstedt.

[@moeroahapuku5872]

So exactly what British Colours were recaptured? No colours were recaptured at Alburea. In the fighting the flags were damaged so much so that both French and British walked away with parts of each standard.

[@AtheAetheling]

​​​@@moeroahapuku5872 As the video itself says, the 7th foot recaptured most of the Buffs lost colour for them, Including the pole and the majority of the cloth, but if you don't think this counts as a recapture that's not something I can convince you of. Seems petty to me, but I'd take it up with the channel if you have a problem with the claim. The two KGL colours captured at Waterloo when the Prince of Orange ordered an advance in line were later recovered during the French retreat. Unfortunately don't have access to my books at the moment so this is difficult for me. On a related note, the 69th regiment colour captured at Quatre Bras was later sold to a British tourist for some reason, which obviously isn't a recapture but it's an amusing story nonetheless. Unfortunately after Paris burnt all the war trophies they had captured in 1814 to prevent recovery by the Allies it's really rather difficult to say what was got back and what was not, because colours recaptured in battle were often so damaged they were replaced anyway. Additionally, some colours were captured due to no fault of the regiment itself; at sea during transportation, or after a siege where a surrender has been negotiated. Of course this is true for all armies.

[@moeroahapuku5872]

@@AtheAetheling The Colonel of the 69th actually ordered the regimental tailors to make up a new flag so they could deny it was lost. Unfortunately Napoleon had already announced it's loss. Not the first time brits did this.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

A couple of tales: When Caesar's legions were attempting to assault the beaches of Britain, they were met with stiff resistance by the Britons and pushed back into the tide. The aquilifer of the Tenth Legion saw the lines wavering from the ship he and his comrades were on, and shouted that he'd carry the eagle forward, and if they didn't wish to see it taken, they'd best follow him. With that, he leapt into the surf, and the rest of the Tenth came after him. There was an incident on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg where the color bearer of one US regiment outpaced his fellows, and ended up far closer to the Confederate line while the rest withdrew due to the murderous fire. The Confederates, seeing this lone bluecoat marching toward them, ceased firing and called out to the man, telling him to fall back. Eventually he realized that he was all alone, halted, saluted, about faced, and marched back to relative safety.

[@redcoathistory]

Great stories - thanks for sharing

[@gregisk123]

Really enjoy the history. Thanks for the content and the overviews!

[@leenapier3973]

I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Zulu war exhibition earlier this year while you were having a pint with a friend & thanks for the T-shirt, brilliant episode, keep up the good work

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic. Thnks for letting me know. Glad you like the t shirt and enjoyed the episode.

[@forlornfool221]

Ty Chris! I needed a rally..

[@europa1387]

Great scene from a great series. Cracking video mate.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Glad you found it interesting

[@willjohnson1273]

For the Royal Artillery the guns are the "COLOURS"!!!!

[@davidhyder1632]

Exactly.

[@user-tg3pu4ri1q]

Wonderful presentation, keep’em up Chris

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot

[@martinhogg5337]

Good and interesting talk, thanks!

[@OscarGomez-hx8zc]

Man that was great Chris!!! On a side note that Episode from Sharpe’s series is definitely one of the best…

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Oscar. Yep the original Sharpe series was truly excellent

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE! AS YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE, HAD YOU ANY SENSE OF HONOUR!

[@dipakgurung8602]

I think you should also mention about the Queen's (or King's) Truncheon granted to the 2 GR to commemorate their magnificent stand at the siege of Hindu Rao's House in Delhi during Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. I think the Truncheon is carried on by one of the RGRs now or the Laali Paltan.

[@redcoathistory]

Yep good point 👍🏼

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Wonderful program and will share with my Facebook war game friends and will once again mention on my channels too

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant cheers Bill

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

"Do you really expect men to fight and die for rag on a pole?" "You do, Richard, you do". Huge respect to those men.

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

You should cover the Birkenhead drill. Bout as Redcoat as it gets

[@redcoathistory]

You mean when the ship sank? Definetly on my list 👍🏼

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Perfect introduction! Love that quote!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - yep that scene gives me goose bumps

[@outpostraven]

Love this subject!

[@collectivismkills]

Just found this channel. It’s awesome!

[@DAGO58]

There was a British camp in Kabul during the recent Op Herrick/Toral era named after Captain Souter, his legacy lives on.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks I didn't know that. Appreciate you sharing.

[@DAGO58]

@@redcoathistory Coordinates for Google maps:- (34.5528449, 69.2349799) Located close to the Airport and embassy’s, it housed the Kabul Support Unit and attached elements. Captain Souters story would be worthy of a video and marrying it up with the story of the camp could be interesting. Also the Sherpur Cantonment still has British war graves from the numerous campaigns in Kabul, it would be great to learn more about this!

[@daveanderson3805]

Outstanding video. Well presented. I learned a lot.from your presentation. Well done 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Gangleri333]

Great! Thank you!

[@frankmorton1920]

It was traditional for the old Colours of the 25th Regiment, the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, were buried in a church yard on consecrated ground. XXV

[@bevinboulder5039]

Loved the Sharpe footage. Also loved the info about the colors that I'd never heard before. I knew they were really important and to be defended at all costs, but not the details of why that was. All of this earned you a "Subscribed" from me.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - glad you enjoyed it and welcome!

[@bevinboulder5039]

YW

[@guycalabrese4040]

Very good video!

[@spottydogscocks]

I have the same mortar mug on my kitchen shelf, love it.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one! I turned up at a FOB in Helmand and the OC asked if I wanted a wet, I said yes please and so he tossed me the tube and a hacksaw and said "fill your boots"... I did a terrible job but at least could have a drink :-) - PS I am not military but spent quite a bit of time working alongside them in Iraq and Afghan.

[@TheSpritz0]

SAME in CANADA!! We have the same tradition!!

[@manofaction1807]

"The man who loses the Kings Colors, Loses the Kings Friendship!"

[@PtolemyJones]

Reminds me of a wonderful, hilarious scene in one of the Flashman books. Not sure of the veracity of the story, but in the US Army, it was told that the 1st Cav. lost their colors in Nam, and as a result the background color was changed from red to yellow.

[@colinp2238]

The colours of the Royal Artillery are the guns. You see the King's Troop RHA when firing salutes kneel to attention as the guns fire. This drill is only carried out by the Royal Artillery regiments. Gunners are not supposed to run from the guns but can run towards them. If the guns need to be abandoned in battle, they have to be made so that they cannot be fired by destroying the breech mechanism.

[@kevinadamson5768]

A regiments colours are the embodiment and history of that particular regiment. I served in the Scots guards and every Buckingham Palace guard the colours were paraded then hung up in the officers mess before changing of the guard, every few years each battalion trooped their own colours on the queen's birthday parade. It instils a sense of pride in every man in that regiment and every man should know what they stand for.

[@trooper64428]

I was 1st Battalion the Queens Regiment, the Lathem center piece was on the dining table in the officers mess, a large silver statue depicting his action and his medal contained within.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great. Thanks for sharing

[@jimkeats891]

Just found this channel. VERY interesting! You mentioned in this one about colors, how many times the colors were lost in combat (33...I think). Have you done a video about infantry squares....and how many were broken?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. Welcome to the channel. I haven’t done a video specifically about that but it could be one for the future 👍🏼

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

Infantry squares is a bit of a rock, paper, scissors question. A properly formed square was essentially immune to cavalry, but horribly vulnerable to artillery. The decision as when to deploy in line or square was often crucial.

[@jimkeats891]

@@gwtpictgwtpict4214 absolutely. However, this video was about "colors lost" which was rare. I *believe* that only 5 British "squares" were broken. This makes it rare...hence why I suggested it. Again, you are 100% correct on "rock, paper, scissors"

[@graemer3657]

I live in Luxembourg and there are still British colours taken by the French during the Napoleonic wars in the Drew Echelen museum

[@Gronk79]

I thought the officer during the retreat from Islamabad, in 1842, wrapped the colors around his body so that when he was killed, and his body hacked to pieces, the colors would be destroyed. True, by doing so, the Afghans thought his was a member of the Royal Family, and spared him. The other officers of the Regiment abandoned their men and rode away on their horses. Their own men tried to shoot them as they rode away. Only the Reg. Surgeon made it safely to the closet outpost. I believe, I read that narrative in the about the 1st Afghan war: "The Fierce Pawns". 40 yrs ago!

[@robbiemcc4355]

Fabulous ✌

[@edwardjasper]

Glad you saw your mistakes was gonna say about the 44th as they are my county Regiment.So thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - yep I only realised what I had said after my mate sent me a message by then it was too late. Apologies to you and the lads who served in the regiment.

[@angloaust1575]

Surely saving lives is more important!

[@alexwatson5314]

When my father was doing public duties, he recalls watching one of his colour sergeants knock a tourist flat in defensive of the colours after the person tried to get close. Funnily enough this was the Royal Regiment of Wales one of the descendants of the 24th of Foot.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

Solid effort by the colour sergeant. You do not mess with a regiments colours.

[@user-ft8ph6kn5l]

Do you sell the T-shirt you are wearing? I can't find it in your shop

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - I do tho it doesn’t have the logo on the front chest as that made the price twice as expensive. If you live in South Africa tho I can ship one to you? Drop me a line at redcoathistory at gmail dot com

[@andrewjones5513]

The Royal Warwickshire regiment didn’t become the South Wales borderers, separate regiments , and coghille and Melville didn’t save the colours at isandlwana, they were recovered from the buffalo river

[@graceygrumble]

Loved the Flashman snippet. The luckiest knave in Christendom! 😊

[@chrischristie1486]

Although you apologised for being young and metric, I think you meant the size of the colours were two yards or six feet square, or one point eight metres. Two foot square is tiny!

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

I caught that too,but figured maybe I mis heard it.

[@redcoathistory]

Maths never was my strong point 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@HaurakiVet]

As I recall a New Zealand local regiment, Taranaki, was one of the last, if not the last, to carry their colours into battle during the so called "Land Wars" between the Europeans and the Maori.

[@HaurakiVet]

By the last I was referring to British Empire regiments.

[@Curmudgeon2]

When they say, "follow the flag" it actually means follow the flag, it was noisy and confusing so if the flag advance so did you, if it fell back, so did you. The Color Guard did not carry its arms at the ready, but at shoulder arms as their job was to defend the colors or to pick it up if the bearer fell. My favorite story was at Vicksburg, a Union regiment was decimated in an attack but the standard bearer never wavered and as he advance a yell went down the Confederate line not to shoot him...he made it to the Confederate entrenchment mounted them, waved the flag and then marched back to the Union lines and was cheered by both sides. Honor, something that seems out of fashion today.

[@garymartin4550]

The Guards swap around the colours compared wit line Regts, so that the Kings Colours is crimson and the regimental colour is the union flag.

[@Jubilo1]

Splendid video by Parkinson Pasha. We have several captured British colors here in the U.S. Oddly enough, no British regiment that fought from 1775-1783 in America carries those battle honours on their colours. Not quite sporting, what?

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

LOL

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed the video sir. Do you know where the captured colours are on display? Would like to visit one day

[@dulls8475]

Would you put Vietnam on your colours?

[@Jubilo1]

@@redcoathistory West Point, Smithsonian Institute in Wash,D.C>

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@dulls8475 That was below the belt, but very good! 😂😂😂

[@randr2141]

Always thought the colours lost in the Zulu war were found in the river days later.

[@chrisakers3499]

The 44th of foot were the East Essex Regiment who fought at Gandamak,not the East Kents who were the 3rd of foot. Very interesting though.

[@redcoathistory]

Apologies a sloppy mistake on my part. Thanks for letting me know 👍🏼

[@GravesRWFiA]

At the battle of Yorktown in 1781, the last great battle of the American Revolution the when it was over the regiments were required to surrender their colors as it was felt they had not fought hard enough to keep the honor, the 23rd, the Royal Welch Fusiliers however, with a wink and a nod from the victors, kept their colors, 'hidden' as officers' sashes, it was recognized that at the spot now called 'fusilier redoubt' the 23rd had fought valiantly beating off 3 french attacks that were supported by artillery, so that one regiment of all the army kept their colors. today at West Point the fallen flags are on display, except for two empty flag staff for the 23rd.

[@redcoathistory]

Another fascinating story. We could certainly make an entire series on Colours.

[@jaysonchilvers8271]

Just a thought do marines have colours? And the rifles have their colours on their drums?

[@redcoathistory]

Re. Marines that is a good question...I will have to find out.

[@Sexywrm]

The Roman’s Had eagles 🦅 Other ancient armies had their own banners. Middle Ages had Baron flags. Kings flag and duke flags. 1600 to 1800’s regimental colors.

[@schizoidboy]

I'm not sure the regard Americans had for colors, but the standards were important during the Civil War, many soldiers who carried the flag received the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving their battle standards. The first African American to win the CMH was a soldier of the Mass 54th Regiment.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

So this is where Capture the Flag game mode came from.

[@anthonybrownhovelt]

Every time you go into battle the weight of history is with you and the exploits of your forbearers to act as an example of what is expected of the next generation! You may want to do a video on the RMAS Memorial Chapel! Dedicated to WW1 losses it is a grim reminder of what is expected of you as a Cadet and, if commissioned, an officer! Each regiment has its own area with a list of names and ranks and the year they died. It also has some of the most incredible Art Deco stained glass windows. It is so sad this extraordinary building is not readily available to the public. As you exit the chapel there is a statue dedicated to the men you will be responsible for!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. If I am ever able to visit then I would love to seek permission to film and explain the history.

[@anthonybrownhovelt]

@@redcoathistory if it is something you want to do I can try and arrange it for you and perhaps get a sponsor too, A thought anyway keep up the good work!

[@ste2442]

Nec Aspera Terrant. once a kingo always a kingo .

[@johnpmchappell]

'Nec aspera terr*e*nt' actually, but fair enough.

[@rf3958]

Berkshire?

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

My Regiment didn’t have any Colours…..we carried the honours on our cap badge and as for field recognition - all done by bugle!

[@petermanning1864]

Swift and Bold brother Rifleman

[@user-wd4ti8gn3o]

The 95th later the Rifle Brigade later in Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles didnot a Colours. Before The KRRC and the Gurkas didnnot have Colours

[@HypocrisyLaidBare]

OK 2ft²is not 1.8m² A 2 ft² (2 square foot/feet) flag is tiny it would measure 1ft x 1ft (or 30cm x 30cm). These flags by your admission are huge and having seen them firsthand can affirm they *are not* 1ft x 1ft. These flags are 5 feet 6 inches x 3 feet 6 inches (or 1.676 mtrs x 1.067 mtrs) That gives a total area of 19ft 4 inches ² (squared), or (1.788 mtrs² (metres squared)). 2ft² (square) is more the size of a lancers flash on his lance that tiny triangular flag occasionally seen on period lances. And were akin to modern British army TRFs worn uniforms and placed on buildings vehicles and equipment to signify ownership for property and equipment and membership in the case of people. (TRF is a Tactical Recognition Flash, a small coloured patch/badge sewn onto clothing or painted, stickered, signposted, or hung on buildings or equipment). Hope this helps. I'm an old school as I was an imperial and metric system educated kid who went on to become a British soldier for 16 yrs until a medical discharge ended my service in 2003, aged 32. I love your videos and my comment above is not meant to be a criticism but a correction to help others and yourself understand metric/imperial measurement, and appreciate your commentry about how large these flags are. You didn't discuss weight, thank God 😅

[@82ismi]

And there are the stories of the colours of regiments, neither tales of honor nor of holyness - because they were lost in peace. The Coldstream Guards had to have made secretly new colours due to having "lost" them on transport in 1816 on the way back home. In 1850 (!) the original ones were found in the private baggage of an officer, who just forgot about where they were packed. One even more scandalous example is the fate of the colours of the l/71st Highland Light Infantry, that were lost after use as bankett decoration (!) in 1814, so the regiment had to fight without them at Waterloo.

[@MikeMakesUK]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but a far greater reason for no longer carrying colours into battle is the change to khaki battledress from the traditional red (or equivalent for other nations) and the change of tactics away from the regimented line of battle, in part due to multi-shot rifles. These factors make displaying battle colours, counter productive. large, bright colours waving in the wind (as fine a sight as it is), give away a unit's position and are a big arrow for the soldier carrying them, that says "Here I am. Please shoot me!". They always were, but now even more so.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate. I think we address that at the end of the film 💪🏼👍🏼 hope you enjoyed it

[@MikeMakesUK]

@@redcoathistory Thanks for the reply. You did address the change, but only partially. Please don't take this as criticism. I enjoyed it very much and simply thought I could expand a little on something that you had already touched on. 👍

[@redcoathistory]

@@MikeMakesUK fair point no worries at all 👍🏼

[@WNH3]

Two YARDS square, I think you mean--sounds like you said "feet"

[@redcoathistory]

Yep I’m a bit of an idiot with maths 😂🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️apologies

[@WNH3]

@@redcoathistory A simple misstatement, no more--did not detract from your usual excellent presentation.

[@PtolemyJones]

Two feet is less than one meter, a meter measure three feet, thee inches.

[@philipatkins405]

They say if a commanding officer lost the regiment colour the only way to save his face would be to go to a private place and take his own life

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Got it on listening while driving not watching though safe driving

[@redcoathistory]

Great thanks Bill. Hope you like it!

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Oh you got me thinking so my January war game videos all will be in the British, Commonwealth miniature war games !

[@redcoathistory]

@@BillsWargameWorld fantastic thanks a lot

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Ok it must be USA EST

[@moeroahapuku5872]

I'm use to clips not mentioning losses of British Colours. Thought this was going to be the same. It is not and we'll done.

[@freddibnah1039]

Being "ESCORT TO THE COLOUR" whilst mounting CEREMONIAL guard during public duties in London, you have MORE POWER THAN "GOD".... LITERALLY!!!

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

13 year old me shitting myself when I dropped em in air cadets, every officer and nco closed in on me rapid

[@redcoathistory]

Ha Ha I can imagine.

[@brianshockledge3241]

No, he doesn`t mean a tourist at old trafford.

[@frauleinhohenzollern8442]

The modern British army... I stopped in London on my way to Berlin, I thought our plane stopped in the Persian gulf. England is all but gone.

[@frauleinhohenzollern8442]

It's the PEOPLE. The land is nothing without the people. You replace the people, you replace the nation. Period. Cry about racism, idc. If any other nations Capitol was being filled with foreign people there would be an uproar and I'm tired of pretending this is acceptable. I'm tired of listening to all the alleged crimes of Europeans while overlooking the atrocities of others. I'm tired of downplaying our exceptional civilization or making excuses for it. I'm just tired.

Don't ever let the British cover history .. In fact, in the 1950s. The British tried to Colorise Cyprus and Greece and got good flogging and they ran to Turkey for help.

[@peterfuidge1718]

I think you mean two yards, not two feet.

[@richardsanders3567]

2feet square ?

[@redcoathistory]

See pinned comment

[@sharky3864]

East Kent ???? the 44th were the Essex

[@redcoathistory]

Pls see pinned comment.

[@haalstaag]

I have never had any colours, my regiment never had them

[@redcoathistory]

Rifleman?

[@haalstaag]

@@redcoathistory yup

[@goldguilder9554]

It’s not worth giving up one’s life to defend a flag

[@TheEddism]

Colours aren't as big as they used to be but none of them are as small as 2 ft square. 20 ft square would be the same as 1.8 metres square

[@redcoathistory]

See my pinned comment.

[@ianarnett]

I’m sorry but you have not got your sizes correct. Two feet square is not very big, you mean two yards or six feet. Six feet is 1.8 metres, which is what you said “1.8 metres square”. Just a point😉.

[@redcoathistory]

Please read pinned comment.

[@polcurley8940]

The Royal Regiment of Artillery has no "Colours", the Colours are their guns. And their sole Battle Honour is "Ubique" - Everywhere.

[@ankles632]

They are also the only ones to have an impolite 4 letter word in their motto :) " Ubique Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt"

[@sharkwolf7788]

A battle honour you share with the sappers

[@moeroahapuku5872]

Alburea, Bergan-Op-Zoom and Quarter-Bra and Waterloo. Battlefields where dozens of British Colours were lost to Napoleon's French.

[@redcoathistory]

Lost colours are addressed in the film 👍🏼