RAF Space Command Badge

 Following on from the announcement by the Prime Minister to increase funding for Defence part of which will go to an RAF Space Command I thought what would their badge be like?

Patch of the UK Space Operations Centre OGLv3.0

Unlike what happened in the United States this Space Command will not be a separate service branch of the Armed Forces but will be an organisation within the Royal Air Force. Which is sensible giving that the RAF already operates a Space Operations Centre as part of 11 Group. However it is modest and defence analysts have said in some articles that it need expanding, and turning it into it's own 'Command' is probably a good way to go about it. Secondly by keeping it as part of the RAF it avoids some the PR disaster the US Space Force got with the comparisons to Star Trek and Starship Troopers SciFi series. 

At present the UK Space operations Centre already has a patch that appears to be worn on uniforms. I actually like it however while it is an acceptable uniform patch I think its to much in the American Air Force style. I think the RAF Space Command would have something more heraldic and less like a logo, an emblem that could be placed on a ceremonial standard.

So here is my proposal. First off is the name. I have specifically used the title "Satellite and Space Command" specifically as people are familiar with the widespread use of satellites to show this is not a type of SciFi space marines. 

The badge follow the standard pattern of RAF heraldry with the emblem being within a blue edged circle and wings surmounted by the crown, with the motto on a scroll below.

The emblem itself is symbolic of digital and satellite communications. It is set upon a black field rather than the more usual white field to be more distinctive and is something I thought could be unique to the Satellite & Space Command and any squadrons or groups that are subordinate to it. The emblem itself features two crossed lightning bolts with a beacon superimposed upon them. Emerging from the flames of the beacon is an armillary sphere .

beacons historically were used for signalling and combined with the lightning bolts is a symbol of electronic and digital communication. Armillary spheres were historically used by astrologers and schoolers to model objects in the sky in relation to the Earth or latterly the Sun. Hence when all these elements combine I think they are a good way of using timeless objects to symbolise the modern concept of manmade satellites. 

The motto is the same as that of the RAF which I think is an appropriate motto for the Space Command as it is generally translated to "Through adversity to the Stars". 

What is the oldest regiment in the British Army? Part One

 If you read some of the post of this blog you might have gathered I have an interest in military history. British military history is an interesting series of subjects and while doing a bit of reading a thought came to me. What is the oldest regiment in the British Army? The Army prides itself on its history and every regiment has a proud history, one of the things that makes the British Army interesting is the different identities, traditions, music. and uniforms & insignia of individual regiments. Thus the question which regiment is the oldest? There are actually quite a few claimants to that title, which I will examine here.

Royal Bodyguards

Gentlemen at Arms in the Palace of Westminster
Posted by Reddit user U/Terfan 

A good place to start this quest might be the Queen's bodyguard. Surely the honoured task of guarding the person of the sovereign would fall the oldest and most prestigious regiment. Well the closest and most senior Royal Bodyguard is Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms aka the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners or simply the Gentlemen at Arms. These guards are seen in the closest proximity to the monarch at various ceremonies and although they wear 19th Century uniforms they trace their history all the way back to 1509 when Henry VIII raised a Troop of armed gentlemen to act as his mounted escort. It naturally consisted of members of the nobility. It accompanied Henry to France and saw action in the Battle of  the Spurs in 1513. They last saw action during the Civil Wars when one Gentleman Matthews saved the life of the Prince of Wales at the Battle of Edgehill. 

However despite being the most senior Royal Bodyguard they are not the oldest. That goes to the perhaps more well known Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard (often simply called the Yeomen of the Guard). Unlike the Gentlemen at Arms the Yeomen of the Guard's uniform is almost unchanged since Tudor times. Often they are mistaken for 'Beefeaters' who are in fact the Yemen Warders of the Tower of London, however it is a forgivable mistake given that they share their history and their uniforms are almost identical. 

Yeomen of the Guard at 2008 Garter Day Service
note the cross belt over left shoulder (public domain)

The Yeomen of the Guard claims to be the oldest military corps in the world. It was formed by Henry VII following his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. In 1509 Henry VIII moved out of the Tower of London for more comfortable accommodation. While this meant that the Yeomen of the Guard moved with the King the Tower retained its status of a Royal Palace (and still does), so it was decided a small detachment of Yeomen would remain to garrison the Tower. This is when the Yeomen Warders became distinct from the Yeomen of the Guard (note that the Gilbert & Sullivan opera 'The Yeomen of the Guard' (Act 1 click here)is set before this distinction took place.). 

The Yeomen of the Guard served wherever the King lead his army last seeing action in 1743 at the battle of Dettingen (the last time a reigning British monarch personally led troops in combat). 

Yeomen Warders in ceremonial dress (note no cross belt)
at the Ceremony of the Constable's Dues
Picture credit Peter Rowley/Flicker/CC BY 2.0) 

Despite these long and illustrious histories and the fact it might include the world's oldest military corps the Royal Bodyguards do not qualify for being the British Army's oldest regiment because they are not considered part of the Army. Although they may have seen action in the past the gentlemen and yeomen of the 21st century are ceremonial bodyguards they are however mainly formed of former Armed Forces personnel. The Gentlemen at Arms are former commissioned officers. They wear a uniform styled after a dragoon of the 1840s and are armed with swords and ceremonial battle axes (which are each three centuries old). 

The Yeomen of the Guard are formed of former non commissioned or Warrant Officers with at least 22 years military service. Its membership is drawn mainly from the Army but also accepts Royal Air Force, Royal Marines and (recently) Royal Navy personnel. 35 members of the Yeomen of the Guard are selected to become Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Bodyguard the Yeomen of the Guard Extraordinary (aka Beefeaters). Unlike the Gentlemen at Arms and Yeomen of the Guard who only perform their ceremonial duties when summoned to do so, Yeomen Warder is a full time job and as such they not only work but live in the Tower of London. The ceremonial dress for the Yeomen is a Tudor bonnet, scarlet Tudor tunic with gold and black lace emblazoned with the Royal Badge of a rose, thistle and shamrock and Royal Cypher, scarlet britches and tights. They are armed with a partisan. The Yeomen of the Guard are distinguishable from the Yeomen Warders as they wear a scarlet and gold cross belt (although if you visit the Tower they will likely be wearing their non ceremonial undress uniform which is still Tudor style). 

An honourable mention should also be made for Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers they date from 1676 and unlike the London based bodyguards which are drawn from the former members of HM Armed Forces membership of the Royal Company of Archers is via election by other members.  

 So although not the oldest regiments in the army the Sovereign's bodyguard are the oldest military institutions in the country. But what's the oldest regiment in the army?

The Foot Guards

From left to right Guardsmen from the Grenadier, Scots, Welsh, Irish & Coldstream Guards
in Full Dress Uniform (note collar badges and button spacing) 

Surely the regiments that guard the Monarch and the Royal households are among the oldest regiments? There are five regiments of Foot Guards who regularly perform these 'public duties' and although two of them (the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards) were raised in the 20th Century the other three (Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards) date back to the 17th Century. So these are some of the oldest regiments in the army.

 In fact if you google "oldest regiment in the British Army" the Coldstream Guards are top of the list. Even the regiments motto is "Nulli Secundus" (Second to None) seems to state this. The Coldstream Guards were formed in 1650 however they were not formed as guards. Of the three regiments of Foot Guards raised in the 17th Century only the Grenadier Guards were formed as Foot Guards. The Coldstream Guards were not even royal troops but republican! 

A Captain of the Coldstream Guards and guardsmen at 2011 Royal Wedding
note buttons arranged in pairs, Garter star collar badge and red plume on right of Bearskin
Picture Credit Magnus D/Flicker/CC BY 2.0

The regiment that would become the Coldstream Guards was formed by Colonel George Monk as part of Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarian Army. Although 1650 is the date the regiment was formed if we trace it's linage back to its oldest possible antecedent regiment (which is what nearly all other regiments of the Army do) we discover its actually a little bit older. The regiment was formed in the Scottish town of Coldstream through the amalgamation of men from George Fenwick's Regiment and Sir Arthur Hazelrigg's Regiment. Both these regiments were raised as part of the New Model Army of 1645 and both contributed five companies each to form the new regiment. On the restoration General Monk the regiment's colonel greeted King Charles II as he landed, and the King bestowed him with the Order of the Garter, which is why the Coldstream Guards wear the Garter Star as their cap badge and collar badge. The regiment was to disband along with the rest of the New Model Army on 8th January 1661 but on the 6th January riots in London spread out of control, and the government fearing an uprising called in the regiment to restore order. Following this the regiment was spared disbandment (the only regiment of the New Model Army to be spared or was it?) and made a royal regiment of Foot Guards. 

Grenadier Guards sentry at Buckingham Palace. Note grenade collar badge,
buttons arranged singularly & white plume on the left of bearskin
Photo Credit Edgar Eli/Wikimedia/CC BY 3.0

The Grenadier Guards by contrast trace their linage back to a regiment of British expatriates raised in Flanders in 1656 to protect the exiled Charles II. It was raised by the Earl of Rochester but when he died in 1658 command passed to Lord Wentworth. This regiment was know simply as the Royal Regiment of Guards although it is also sometimes referred to as Lord Wentworth's Regiment. 

When the King returned to the British Isles in 1660 another regiment of Guards was formed under the command of John Russel. On the death of Lord Wentworth in 1665 these two regiments were amalgamated to form the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards which was granted the title of 'Grenadier Guards' via Royal proclamation in 1815 following service in the Napoleonic Wars (hence the regiment's flaming grenade badge).  The rivalry between the Coldstream and Grenadier Guards is well known, it is the popular complaint of the Coldstream Guards that they should occupy the Grenadier Guard's position as being the senior regiment of Foot Guards because they are older. But is that a fair complaint?

For the third most senior regiment of Foot Guards is actually the oldest. It is perhaps one of those ironic little twists of history and something typically British that until the formation of the Irish Guards in 1900 the oldest of the Foot Guard regiments was regarded as the most junior! The Scots Guards trace their history back to 1642. The regiment was raised by the Marquess of Argyll under the authorisation of Charles I. The regiment was among nine Scottish regiments raised for service in Ireland. The previous year (1641) a Catholic rebels began an uprising against the mainly Protestant settlers of Ulster (many of whom were also Scots) and the uprising had spread across the island. This Scottish Army would see seven years of service in Ireland before returning to Scotland where what was left of it became known as 'the Irish Companies.' (in an interesting side note this Scottish Army played an important role in the ecclesiastic history of Northern Ireland for its chaplains founded the first Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, which is now the largest Protestant denomination in the province). 

Scots Guards at funeral of Baroness Thatcher 2013
Note buttons arranged in threes, thistle collar badge and no plume in bearskin
Photo Credit Ronnie MacDonald/Flicker/CC BY 2.0

Following the execution of Charles I, Charles II was crowned King of Scots at Scone and the Irish Companies were renamed the 'King's Lyfe Guards of Foot' in 1650. The regiment went on to face the invading English Parliamentarian Army at the Battle of Dunbar (where they found themselves on the opposite side what would become their fellow Foot Guards regiment the Coldstream Guards), from there they accompanied Charles II on his invasion of England before finally being defeated in 1651. Charles fled into exile and the regiment all but ceased to exist. However following the restoration in 1660 the regiment was re raised at Edinburgh and Stirling as the Scottish Regiment of Footguards. In the following years the regiment saw service against the Scottish Covenanters (somewhat ironic giving that their history with Lord Argyll and their service in Ireland), before being brought south to England in 1687 and being placed on the English establishment as the third senior regiment of Foot Guards (the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards being on that establishment much earlier).

The Coldstream Guards may be younger the Scots Guards but the reason they come up first in the google search is because the claim to be the oldest regiment in continuous service. However history buffs love to obsess over minor details and technicalities and despite this claim the regiment technically dates from 1661. This is because despite what is stated above the regiment that was formed in Coldstream was technically disbanded along with rest of the New Model Army in 1661. What actually happened was the regiment paraded for the last time at Tower Hill and symbolically laid down their arms and their association with the New Model Army. The men were then ordered to take up their arms again as Royal troops in the new standing army. This means that they technically formed a new regiment all be it a carbon copy of the one that was just disbanded. Of course most people would probably agree that this disbandment was merely a symbolic act and that in the real world the regiment that marched away from Tower Hill after the ceremony was the same regiment that marched to it. 

I'm not including this point to challenge the Coldstream claim only to illustrate a point that the answer to which regiment is the oldest depends on how you define and measure age. It also shows how many claimants to the title of oldest regiment use technicalities. The Coldstream's claim to be the oldest regiment is based on the technicality that they are the oldest in continuous service however that claim can also be challenged on the grounds of a technicality. 

 All five regiments of Foot Guards as well as being operational soldiers take part in the oldest military ceremonies still practiced: The Changing of the Guard, Trooping the Colour, Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London (video below) etc. I have only really touched on their origins here and regardless of who might be the oldest they all have long and distinguished histories to be proud of up to the present. 

Soldiers from the oldest continuously serving regiment in the army

performing the oldest regular military ceremony in the world

alongside members of the oldest military body in the UK

Old clip from 1960s of the Irish Guards performing the ceremony of the keys

Note that the .303 SMLE No.4 rifle and No.9 bayonet still in service here

 So in conclusion to part one. Of the three most senior Foot Guard regiments I would say the Coldstream Guards arguably have the longest history of continuous service, with the Grenadier Guards being the longest continuous service to the crown, and the Scots Guards having the earliest date of origin. 

But there are other regiments of the line that can claim to be the oldest regiment in the British Army which will be looked at in Part 2.

The Defining Battle in Ulster history?

What is the defining battle in the history of Ulster and the Ulster Protestant identity?
probably the first candidate is the Battle of the Boyne, and it is understandable why many could come to conclusion. It is after all the battle emortablised in myth, legend, artwork and song, not to mention the parades of the Orange Institution across the province and beyond.

the image of William III crossing the Boyne one of the most well
known in Ulster folk lore

The Boyne is certainly an important battle and one that is forever enshrined in Ulster Protestant culture and identity. However I don't think it is the defining battle.
Next candidate you could say is the Siege of Londonderry, it is according to the traditional view the moment the Protestants of Ulster had their backs to the wall so to speak. The moment when they knew nothing but defeat and retreat, seemingly abandoned by their fellow countrymen on the island of Great Britain had to fall back to their plantation citadel with its crumbling walls. Yet despite this the right people were in the right places at the right times and sustained by religious and national pride endured throughout the horrors and hardships to their victory. There is no doubt the symbolism of the siege of Derry is powerful and a worthy candidate.
There is no shortage of battles in Ulster history but today I am of course going to speak of the Somme.
The Somme is to Northern Ireland and Northern Irish identity (or atleast unionist Northern Irish identity) what Gallipoli is the Australia or Vimy Ridge is to Canada.  It is when the young nation finds it feet and secures it future through the blood sacrifice which honored by a grateful empire sees them take their place as equals in a great imperial family.
There are of course some distinct differences between the two dominions and Northern Ireland of course. One is the legal entities and jurisdictions of both Australia and Canada were defined before the Great War. Where as that of Northern Ireland was defined after. Whereas the two battles in regard to the Canada and Australia helped forge a common national identity for Ulster Unionists it defined the right to continue to exist.

Signing of the Covenant 1912

The road to the Sommes role as its defining battle really begins in the late 19th Century with Ulster's opposition to Home Rule, that being self governance for Ireland within the United Kingdom. However it really takes place when the Third Home Rule Bill passes the House of Commons in 1912 due to a Liberal and Irish Parliamentary Party (the moderate Irish nationalist party of the day) coalition. This in turn leads to the events of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant in which Ulstermen sign in their thousands pledging to resist "the current conspiracy" by "all means necessary." Thousands of women also sign a mirroring covenant pledging to support the men in their struggle. These documents are one of the defining moments in the creation of the modern Ulster Protestant identity. The Covenant is to Ulster what the declaration of Independence is to the United States of America, in that its a founding document, a justification for the country to exist.
The founding of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and subsequent arming of that force (ironically with guns provided by Germany) in the months that followed seen Ulster folk preparing to make good on their pledge. Whether or not the UVF would have went to war over their own government is a matter of debate and merely academic. For events in Europe overtook the events in Ireland with the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

The charge of the Ulster Division 1st July 1916

This seen the call to arms the opportunity for Ulster to show its loyalty to the Britain and likewise for Britain to reward that loyalty. A special division was formed from the ranks of the old UVF. The 36th (Ulster) Division. It was the conduct of the 36th Division on that first day of the Somme the 1st of July (which is also the date of the battle of the Boyne in the old calendar) 1916 in that it was the only British unit to reach any of its objectives despite possibly being given the most difficult of tasks in taking the Schwaben Redoubt. This is despite the horrendous slaughter and appalling casualties. Indeed the Division suffered so many casualties that it was withdrawn the next day. Its experience at the somme was one from which it never fully recovered but despite this struggled on through the rest of the war and again proving its metal on other occasions.

Drums from Hamilton Flute Band whose members served in
36th Ulster Division are still emblazoned with the old regiment badge
over 100 years on

It was (at least in the folk memory of Ulster) that in 1921 saw the creation of Northern Ireland as a separate jurisdiction to the Home Rule parliament being set up in Dublin, and the next year when home rule turned to independence following the Anglo-Irish conflict saw Northern Ireland given the ability to determine its own future when under the terms of the Anglo-Irish peace treaty Northern Ireland was given the ability to opt out of the Irish Free State and continue as part of the United Kingdom. An opt out it chose to exercise.
Like other battles the story of the Somme is told in song and ballad, possibly the best being the song "bloody road to the somme" which is relatively accurate in the general detail of the battle in the the 36th Division became a victim of their success and got "cut off with no one to support them" and Mown down by fire from three sides" As John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir wrote in History of War:
"North of Theipval the Ulster Division broke through the enemy trenches, passed the crest of the ridge, and reached the point called the Crucifix, in rear of the first German position. For a little while they held the strong Schwaben Redoubt (where), enfiladed on three sides, they went on through successive German lines, and only a remnant came back to tell the tale. Nothing finer was done in the war. The splendid troops drawn from those Volunteers who had banded themselves together for another cause, now shed their blood like water for the liberty of the world."

This song is an excellent as lays out the struggle of the Home Rule debate and evokes characters from the Ulster cycle such as the warrior Cuchulainn the Hound of Ulster and Connal Clean the ancient King of Ulster both figure who defended Ulster from hostile southern Irish forces. It even evokes the flag of Northern Ireland (the red hand and crown).

memorial to the VC's of Ulster's division in the grounds of the
Ulster Tower, Thiepval, France

The valour of Ulster's division is shown in that it received no fewer than nine Victoria Crosses many of which are still celebrated today, including the first to be won in the battle. Pte William McFadzean was posthumously awarded the VC when he threw himself on a grenade that fallen into a trench full of his fellow soldiers, thus symbolising the sacrifice of the thousands of Ulstermen who fell that day.
There were many quotes from Britain's grates regarding Ulster's Division, which perhaps fueled the idea that it was the province's loyalty and sacrifice that ultimately seen it spared the political death sentence of Irish independence.
The King at the time George V said on the day of the armistice
  "I recall the deeds of the 36th (Ulster) Division, which have more than fulfilled the high opinion formed by me on inspecting that force on the eve of its departure for the front. Throughout the long years of struggle, which now so gloriously ended, the men of Ulster have proved how nobly they fight and die"
Winston Churchill often regarded as the greatest Briton of the 20th Century said of their conduct:
"The record of the Thirty-Sixth Division will ever be the pride of Ulster. At Thiepval in the battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916; at Wytschaete on 17 June 1917, in the storming of the Messines Ridge; on the Canal du Nord, in the attack on the Hindenburg Line of 20 November the same year; on 21 March 1918, near Fontaine-les-Clercs, defending their positions long after they were isolated and surrounded by the enemy; and later in the month at Andechy in the days of 'backs to the wall', they acquired a reputation for conduct and devotion deathless in military history of the United Kingdom, and repeatedly signalised in the despatches of the Commander-in-Chief."

dedication tablet in the Ulster Tower with the King's quote

More recently the Ulster historian Richard Doherty recorded: "Whether town dweller or country lad, volunteer or regular, officer or other rank, Catholic or Protestant, the Sons of Ulster knew a comradeship and a trust in adversity that should be a lesson to us all."
But perhaps the greatest and most memorable quote is from someone who apart from this quote is largely forgotten. Wilfred Spender was a staff officer attached to the 36th Division and would go on to help establish the Northern Ireland Civil Service as well as reform the returning members of the former UVF into the Ulster Special Constabulary. He wrote of the battle:
"I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday, the 1st. July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world. My pen cannot describe adequately the hundreds of heroic acts that I witnessed... The Ulster Volunteer Force, from which the division was made, has won a name which equals any in history. Their devotion deserves the gratitude of the British Empire."
It is often said there is no greater honour than to elevated to by others and its certainly true in this case which is perhaps why this quote in particular is remembered and celebrated today. However he goes on to write "The Ulster Division has lost more than half the men who attacked and, in doing so, has sacrificed itself for the Empire which has treated them none too well. Their devotion, which no doubt has helped the advance elsewhere, deserved the gratitude of the British Empire. It is due to the memory of these brave fellows that their beloved Province shall be fairly treated."

Again this feeds into the folk memory that it was through sacrifice that Northern Ireland was allowed to remain in the United Kingdom while the rest of the island broke away. 

Ulster Tower, Thiepval France

Likewise the people of Northern Ireland were quick to ensure their sacrifice would never be forgotten funding the erection of a permanent monument on the battlefield itself. In Fact of the many monuments and memorials on the old battlefields of the Great War the Ulster Tower was the first to be erected.  It was modeled on Helen's Tower on Clandyboyle estate in County Down where Ulster's Division was encamped before deployment and was thus the last Ulster landmark many had seen. Although not the grandest of these noble monuments it set a precedent which all of Britain followed. Hence the battle not only helped shape the British identity of Ulster but helped Ulster shape in part the identity of Britain. 
It is for these why the Somme is possibly the defining moment in Ulster Protestant identity to this day. Furthermore unlike the Glorious Revolution the First World War is still very much a part of British national memonry with the various events and traditions introduced to remember the war such as Remembrance Sunday and the wearing of poppies still a very much a part of British life and identity not just that of Ulster.

Irish Volunteer Uniforms 1

Its been a while since I posted last. But here is another post today and it is (as is the case with most of my posts) the result of a board nerd/history buff with a book and a laptop.
I recently bought the book 'Irish Regiments 1683-1999' by R G Harris, which is more or less the history of all the Irish regiments of the British Army past and present.
Near the front (I have not yet finished reading it) of the book is an interesting section which lists the varrious Volunteer Corps which a sort of citizen army, and details their uniforms where known.
There where no illustrations of these uniforms themselves (although there were photos of buttons, helmets and some other relevant items). So I decided to correct this to try and put a basic visual aid to the descriptions and this is what I have done so far.
Use of Bearskins, Cavalry helmets and Light Infantry Caps are based on the assumption that the Volunteers mirrored British Army practice as headgear is rarely described. However looking at period paints it does appear that at least some Grenadier units of volunteers wore bearskins and most appeared to wear bicorn hats rather than tricorns. Unless stated the badges are also fictional, however they are based on and keeping with the spirit of actual Volunteer badges. 

County Cork

Counties Clare & Kerry

County Limerick 

Thats all I have so far. I am also considering expanding the blog beyond its flags and symbols genre although those topics will continue to feature, as a way of getting more posts out 

Royal Tank Regiment Camp Flag

This is a post I wanted to do a couple of days ago to mark the 99th anniversary of the battle of Cambrai (20th November 1917), but due to other priorities had to be put back till today.
The Royal Tank Regiment is the oldest tank unit in the world, Originally known as the Tank Corps and then Royal Tank Corps before being given the title of regiment, was founded in the First World War to operate the new invention of tanks.  The Camp flag of the regiment (not the ceremonial standard or colour) is a horizontal tricolour of green, red and brown and features the regiment's cap badge featuring an original tank. 

This is one of my favourite military flags for a number of reasons. Its a simple pattern which minus the cap badge is confined to three colours, but mainly because of its history. It is the only camp flag of the British Army that I am aware of to be born in battle. 
Although not the first battle the tank was used in, the battle of Cambrai was the first where the tank played a decisive role being deployed in large numbers and achieving a breakthrough.  The flag came from the Corps Commander Brigadier General Elles. When formed the Tank Corps had no unique colours or insignia, Brigadier Elles who lead from the front wanted something to distinguish his tank as the command vehicle, and decided to use a flag. After purchasing some coloured silk in town a homemade flag was stitched together and flown from the General's tank in the battle.

To the Green Fields Beyond, Cambrai, France, 20th November 1917 by David Pentland. Print can be purchased here

The colours of the flag are said to symbolise "from the mud of the trenches (brown), through the blood of the battlefield (red) and breaking through to the green fields beyond." However in reality the colours bore no significance in the battle. The flag was solely intended for the practical purpose of distinguishing the lead tank. The colours of the flag were a result of the limited coloured material available, and the symbolism attributed to the colours after the battle. The flag is still used in the camp flag of the RTR and is part of its history and tradition. More about the RTR including the flag can be seen in the short documentary seen here.

Development & History of Irish Flags Pt16: Military flags of 20th & 21st Centuries Post1 UK

2nd Bn Connaught Rangers parading colours
prior to disbandment in 1922

Continuing on from Part 8, Part 13 and Part 14 we look at military flags of the modern era. This post will focus on the development of the colours and flags of the Irish regiments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of the Irish Defence Forces of the Republic of Ireland. The 20th Century was one of the most important and bloody in Irish History, the effects and feelings still very much felt today. Post 1 will look at the Irish regiments of the British Army.

Irish regiments in service of the UK 

Post World War I

Colours of the Service Battalions of the Royal Munster Fusiliers
being handed over for safe keeping.
 the Tower of London, 1923.  

In the immediate aftermath of the Great War Irish regiments were found in the army of occupation in Germany and Silesia. They were found serving in Turkey, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Palestine, Singapore and India. They were deliberately not involved in the conflict in Ireland in the early 1920s. (infact no regular unit of the British Army was, the government forces were all in the structure of the Royal Irish Constabulary). The Home Service Battalions raised for WW1 were disbanded and their colours were laid up.
 However events in Ireland would effect and eventually catch up on them.  The most direct was the Independance of the Irish Free State, which did not include these experienced regiments in their new army which led to the disbandment of many, some with histories stretching back to the 17th century. The regiments that were disbanded were:

• Royal Irish Regiment
• Connaught Rangers
• Princess of Wales Royal Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) 
• Royal Munster Fusiliers 
• Royal Dublin Fusiliers 
• South Irish Horse

other regiments like the 4th Royal Irish Dragoons and 5th Royal Irish Lancers were amalgamated into other Cavalry regiments and lost their Irish identity. In all the above cases the regimental colours were laid up. In the case of the disbanded Irish infantry regiments a special parade took place in Windsor Castle on 12 June 1922 where their colours were laid up.

These flags can still be viewed at the castle and were recently visited by the Irish President during his state visit to the United Kingdom (the first ever state visit of an Irish president to the UK).

The King made the following emotional remarks:

Your Colours are the records of valorous deeds in war, and of the glorious traditions thereby created. You are called upon to part with them today for reasons beyond your control and resistance. By you and your predecessors these Colours have been reverenced and guarded as a sacred trust - which trust you now confide in me. As your King I am proud to accept this trust. But I fully realise with what grief you relinquish these dearly-prized emblems; and I pledge my word that within these ancient and historic walls your Colours will be treasured, honoured, and protected as hallowed memorials of the glorious deeds of brave and loyal regiments.

The Royal Irish Regiment

The Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army was formed in 1992, (not to be confused with the Royal Irish Regiment disbanded in 1922) from the amalgamation of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment. The Royal Irish Rangers was formed by an amalgamation of three historic regiments: the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Royal Irish Fusiliers and Royal Ulster Rifles (known as the Royal Irish Rifles before 1922) who being a rifle did not carry colours and won't feature in this post. The colours of the Royal Irish Regiment's Antecedent regiments were:

The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

The oldest of the antecedent regiments tracing its history back to 1688, the colours of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were unchanged from 1888, (with the exception of more battle honours being embroidered). In 1888 the Union canton of the regimental colour was dropped. For parts of its existence in the 20th Century the "skins" had two battalions, each with a set of colours. The King's Colour was the Union Flag, The centre of the red cross was defaced with two hollow gold circles. In the centre was the battalion number in roman numerals, the space between the two circles bore the name of the regiment "The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers."

The regimental colour was the colour of the facings, which was buff (a sort of yellow colour), where as for some now unknown reason the colour of the second battalion was blue. The canton of the regimental colour of both battalions  bore the battalion number (in roman numerals) the other corners bore the White horse of hanover. The centre of the flag had a red circle with two gold lines creating an inner and outer section. The inner circle bore the regimental bade (Enniskillen castle flying the cross of St George), the outer bore the text "The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers" Around this was the wreath bearing the flowers of the United Kingdom (Tudor rose, thistle and shamrock) tied with red ribbon and topped with the crown. Below was the battle honour of the Egyptian campaign which unlike the others was a badge of the sphinx. The other battle honours were born on scrolls arranged in a wreath.
The last colours to be carried by the Inniskillings were presented by HRH the Duke of Gloucester on 20th February 1962.  The regiment was stationed in kenya assisting in security during the Mau Mau uprising and the presentation took place there. These colours were only carried until 1968 when the regiment was amalgamated into the Royal Irish Rangers, and are currently laid up in St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria's) 

 Being a "royal" regimental the colour of the Royal Irish Fusiliers blue, The King's Colour was of course the Union Flag, The design for the King's Colour was standard throughout the line regiments, The only difference being the inscription on the outer circle. However the Royal Irish Fusiliers were slightly different as they had a royal title (Princess Victoria's). So the inscription on the outer circle read "The Royal Irish Fusiliers" and the inner circle read horizontally "Princess Victoria's." The battalion number in cases like this was in the canton. Battle honours were borne on scrolls embroidered on the St George's Cross.
The detail of the regimental colour as was standard bore the regiment's insignia on a red circle in the centre. The regiment's badge on the colours was badge of the prince of Wales. (three ostrich feathers coming out of a medieval crown with the motto "Ich Dien" meaning I Serve) This reflected the connection to Victoria (who was Princess of Wales when the title was given to the regiment).
The text around the badge read "Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers." This was surrounded by the standard union wreath ant the Egypt Battle honour below it. Around that was a wreath bearing the other battle honours.  In the canton was an antique crown below which was the battalion number, In the second corner was an eagle, symbolising the french standard which there antecedent regiment (87th Foot) captured during the Napoleonic wars. The third corner had a crowned harp, and the fourth another antique crown.  On the last set of colours this was replaced with state crown. These colours were presented to both battalions of the regiment by the Duke of Gloucester in March 1937, and was recorded by the news cameras and be viewed here. These colours were carried until 1968 when the regiment was amalgamated into the Royal Irish Rangers.

The old colours of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (farthest from camera) and Royal Irish Fusiliers (closest) being handed
over to the regimental depot Royal Irish Rangers prior to being laid up in St Anne's Cathedral in 1968

Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd &87th)

Queen's Colour of 5th (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Irish Rangers

The two Irish Line infantry regiments and the Royal Ulster Rifles (who didn't have colours) were amalgamated in 1968 to form the Royal Irish Rangers. This new regiment tool much of the traditions of its three forerunners and combined them into something quite unique in terms of uniform, drill and music, following both the fusilier and rifles traditions. Fortunately for us they did not follow the rifles traditions of not having colours. Each battalion of the Royal Irish Rangers carried colours.
The Queen's colour was of course a Union Flag, It had the familiar circular design in the centre, with "Royal Irish Rangers" embroidered around on the outer circle, and the battalion number in roman numerals in the centre. This was topped by a St Edward's Crown. The 1st and 2nd World War battle honours of the regiments ancestors were embroidered on the st George's Cross.

Regimental Colour of 5th (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Irish Rangers

The regimental colour was appropriately rifle green (the colour of the regiment's  No 1 dress uniform). It had the same design in the centre but with a silver made of Erin harp occupying the centre panel.  This was surrounded by the wreath of British national flowers, topped with a crown. Interestingly the regiment's motto did not appear below but the mottos of the Inniskilling Fusiliers; Nec Aspera Terrant (By difficulties undaunted), The Royal Ulster Rifles: Quis Separabit (Who shall separate us?) and the Irish Fusiliers: Faugh A Ballagh (old Irish meaning "Clear the Way"). The non World War Battle Honours (both pre 20th Century and Post WW2) were embroidered on this flag on a wreath. The canton had the battalion number in roman numerals. The corners bore badges of the Antecedent regiments, the first had the heraldic image of Enniskillen castle with the word "Inniskilling" above it, for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The second had a crowned harp with a bugle horn below it for the Ulster Rifles, and the bottom two both from the Irish Fusiliers were the captured French  Eagle and crown, and a harp and crown.
   

 newly presented Colours are marched past HRH The Duchess of Gloucester 4th July 1972

Around this time many army regiments and corps started to formally adopt flags to be flown from flagpoles in barracks or bases. These were known as camp flags, and served the practical purpose of identifying which unit was stationed in the base rather than the ceremonial role the colours occupied. The camp flag of the Irish Rangers was simply a green flag with the regimental cap badge (a crowned maid of Erin harp with "Royal Irish Rangers" on a scroll below) in the centre;

Royal Irish Rangers camp flag (left) with Duke of Edinburgh's Regiment flag (right)

In 1992 the Royal Irish Rangers amalgamated with the Ulster Defence Regiment to form the Royal Irish Regiment. Some of the colours continued to be used as some of the Territorial Army battalions (Army Reserve) of this new regiment continued to be designated as Royal Irish Rangers and later just "Rangers." But they were eventually laid up in chapels, churches, cathedrals and city halls throughout Northern Ireland.

Ulster Defence Regiment (Conspicuous Gallantry Cross)

UDR Memorial Window Belfast City Hall

The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) was a unique regiment in the British Army. It was not part of the Line Infantry and Rifles, or any corps. It bears a closer resemblance to the Irish Militia of the 19th Century than a regular army unit for three reasons:

1. It had a mix of full time and part-time soldiers but the majority were part-time and all lived in their own homes rather than military barracks.
2. It was structured on a county basis. 
3. It could only operate within Northern Ireland and couldn't be deployed overseas.

The UDR was formed in 1970 specifically for security work within Northern Ireland. It was the only Irish regiment operationally deployed in the province during the Troubles period, (like the 1920s Irish regiments were deliberately not involved in the conflict). It's purpose was to support the police by manning checkpoints, road blocks and guard important installations and conduct armed patrols, but not riot or public order duties. The UDR was presented with its first and last stand of colours by HM the Queen in 1991 just a year before amalgamation. 

UDR camp flag

At this time the regiment had seven battalions, each responsibly for one county and the 7th battalion covering the capital, Belfast. As the UDR was not a line regiment the form of its colours were not bound by the 1743 regulations, so these flags are particularly interesting. The Queen's Colour was a Union Flag, with the familiar circular design, but in the centre the regiment's badge (a crowned winged maiden harp) was depicted not the battalion number. This was topped with the St Edward's Crown and the battalion number in roman numerals appeared in the canton. 

The regiment chose green for its regimental colour, with the same design in the centre as the Queen's Colour. This was surrounded by the wreath of national plants and topped with the crown. The UDR never having served overseas was not entitled to any battle honours, except the Northern Ireland honour which may or may not have been embroidered on the colours when they were presented. Before disbandment the regiment was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in recognition of its service in very difficult circumstances, but this did not appear on the colours. The Roman numeral battalion number appeared in the canton, and uniquely for any stand of 20th century UK colours, a coat of arms appeared in the upper fly. This was the old county arms of the relevant county (or the municipal arms of Belfast in the case of the 7th Battalion.  

After 1992, most of the UDR structure was still in place, but operating as "home service" battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment, who may have unofficially used these colours where numerals and shields were the appropriate ones for the appropriate battalion. I have found no evidence to back that claim and if so it wouldn't have been the case before as the home service battalions were soon reduced to three, and the county structure abandoned. These colours are also laid up in the churches, cathedrals and town halls of Northern Ireland.
The camp flag of the UDR was a green flag with a red horizontal bar running through the centre, The cap badge of a crowned harp was placed in the centre. Often a battalion number in roman numerals appeared in the canton, and the company was also identified (for example if it was 'A' Company the the letters "A COY" flanked the harp).

Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd &87th and Ulster Defence Regiment CGC)

The Royal Irish Regiment was presented its first colours in 1996. The 1st Battalion were presented their colours by HRH the Duke of York. At the time of the formation in 1992 the regiment was the largest in the British Army with eleven battalions; two regular army (1st and 2nd (General Service) battalions), two Territorial Army (4th and 5th (Volunteer) battalions Royal Irish Rangers) and the rest Northern Ireland Resident (Home Service) battalions. In 1993 the regular army battalions reduced to 1 (1st battalion) and the home service battalions reduced to three (2nd, 3rd and 4th battalions). The Territorial Army battalions continued to use the name (and colours)of the Royal Irish Rangers. Here is a clip about the colours presented in 1993:

The Home Service battalions were also presented colours. The Queen's Colour bears the battle honours of 1st and 2nd World Wars, and the Regimental Colour bears all non World War battle honours. As seen in the clip the layout of the colours follow the same uniformed pattern as before. They are very similar to those of the Royal Irish Rangers, but without the historic badges in the corners, and the Royal Irish Regimental badge (which also demonstrated in the clip is not worn anywhere on the uniform). In 2006 security in Northern Ireland became the sole responsibility of the police and civilian authorities as the normalisation set in after the troubles period. The Home Service battalions were operationally stood down and the entire regiment and the former UDR was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. This was emblazoned on the top corner of the fly on the regimental colour of all battalions. In 2007 the Home Service battalions were disbanded and the Rangers were redesignated as 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment (Army Reserve). Both 1st and 2nd battalions continue to use their colours. 

Regimental colour of 4th (Home Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment laid up in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen
Note the colour of 4th (County Fermanagh) Battalion, Ulster Defence Regiment beside it  

Queen's colour of 4th (Home Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment laid up in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen
Note the colour of 4th (County Fermanagh) Battalion, Ulster Defence Regiment beside it  

The camp flag is green with three red, blue, red stripes going horizontally across the centre, and defaced with the regiments badge. The battalion numbers in roman numerals appear in the canton.

flag of the 1st battalion being raised

Irish Guards

Raised in 1900 by direct order of Queen Victoria, wanted to an Irish regiment of Foot Guards as recognition of the deeds of Irish soldiers. The Irish Guards is the fourth regiment of royal guards.
As a Household regiment it not only has lots of flags but its colours are completely different to the line regiments. The household regiments carry a variety of flags and colours:

Company Colours

Unlike line regiments where only the regiment as a whole bears a badge, each company of foot guards has its own badge, approved by the sovereign, in a tradition reminiscent of the 17th Century. These badges are born on small flags (measuring about 55cm x 47cm) that are used to mark the place for each company to stand on parade. What these flags are called differs for each regiment, but in the Irish Guards they are called company colours. In addition to this there are also personal flags for the senior offices, which are used only when the relevant officer is on parade, usually flanking a saluting dias.
When on parade the colour is on a pike held by a non commissioned officer, usually a sergeant or colour sergeant. Only the colours of the company on parade are used.
The first eight company badges were granted by Edward VII shortly after the regiment was formed:

In the First World War the regiment raised a 2nd and 3rd Battalion, these being temporary were not granted company badges. The 2nd battalion was reformed in 1939 and an application for badges made, however it was not granted until 1945. By this time the 2nd battalion was in suspended animation (meaning that although in practice there was only one battalion, the 2nd battalion still technically exists on paper).

Due to altercations and reorganisation further badges were needed and six more badges were granted by the Queen in 1954, making the total number of badges to 22.

Regimental Colours

Like the line infantry a Guards battalion carries two colours a regimental colour and a Queens/King's Colour. The Queen's Colour is a red flag (not a union flag) bearing the royal cypher in the centre of an interpretation of the color of the Illustrious Order of St Patrick, flanked by battle honours, The Kings colour of the 2nd battalion between 1940-47 bore the regiments badge in the centre and had a Union Jack in the canton:

The regimental colour is a Union Flag (the opposite way from the line), with the battalion number in the canton, battle honours on the St George Cross, and a company badge in the centre. The company badges are born in rotation. The first was the badge of No 1 Coy the chyers of King Edward VII and  Queen Victoria, the  current colours bear the red hand of Ulster:

The previous colour bore the crest of Ireland:

Note an extra battle honour has been added since these colours were used. Both flags are used when mounting the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace, however the Queen's Colour is only used when the Queen is in residence.

The camp flag of the Guards follow a standard pattern of three horizontal bars, the top and bottom of which is blue and the centre one red, with the regimental badge in the centre. The symbolism of the colours is said to represent "the seas we have crossed, the sky we've fought under and the blood we've shed" but they are in fact the colours of the royal household. The Irish Guards are also known to fly the cross of St Patrick in camp.
When in their full dress uniform the Irish Guards can be identified from the other Guards regiments by a number of subtle differences. The most obvious is the colour and position of the plume in the famous bearskin cap. The Irish Guards wear a 'St Patrick's' Blue plume in the right side. This is to denote they would stand on the right in an old fashion battle line, and blue being the historic colour of Ireland. However if they substitute the bearskin for the forage cap it has a green not blue band around the centre. The badge on the collar is a shamrock, and a St Patrick's star is worn on the shoulder tab. The buttons are arranged into groups of four as they are the fourth regiment in terms of seniority. Pipers wear the standard garments for Irish pipers in the British Army of a solid saffron kilt, cloak and caubeen bonet, but for the Irish Guards the plume and cap badge is worn over the right eye not the left. (this only applies to pipers other members of the regiment wear their beret with the badge over the left eye).

Royal Dragoon Guards

In 1922 the 5th Dragoon Guards (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) and the Inniskillings (6th Dragoons) amalgamated in Cairo to form the 5th/6th Dragoon Guards later changing their name the the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards and gaining the Royal accolade in 1935. The King's standard followed the 18th century regulations but with some amendments (by know reduced to 1 flag per regiment). On the first and fourth quarters it had the heraldic depiction of Enniskillen castle on a yellow field (the facings colour of the 6th Dragoons and worn on the Full Dress tunic of the new regiment) and the white horse of Hanover on a green field (facing colour of the 5th Dragoons (formally the green horse) and the colour of the breeches of the new regiment) in the second and third.  In the centre is a circle with a monogram bearing the roman numeral 'V' and the initials 'D,G.' Topped by the Tudor crown and surrounded by the Union wreath and flanked with battle honours. In 1992 the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards were amalgamated with 4th7th Royal Dragoon Guards to form the Royal Dragoon Guards. The Inniskilling standard continued to be used until 2013 when it was laid up in Enniskillen Cathedral. The Royal Dragoon Guards have kept some of there Inniskilling identity with an Irish pipes and drums, the regimental march is "fare ye well Enniskillen" and the cap badge features the heraldic depiction of Enniskillen castle.

camp flag Royal Dragoon Guards

Queen's Royal Hussars

The Queen's Royal Hussars was formed in 1993 with the amalgamation of the Queen's Own Hussars and the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. The regiment has kept most of its Irish identity, retaining its pipe band and wearing green berets with a harp in the cap badge. The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars was formed in 1958 with the amalgamation of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars and the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars.
The guidon of the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars was gules (crimson)  In the centre was a crowned harp with the inscription "Queen's Royal Irish Hussars" around it. This was in a union wreath of UK national plants topped with a crown. In the first and fourth corners was the white horse of Hanover. In the second and third was IV QOH (4th Queen's own Hussars) and VIII KRIH (8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars). This design was the same on both sides. The guidon was double sided because it displayed 40 of the regiments 102 battle honors 20 on each side.
After the amalgamation both guidons of the Queen's Own and Queen's Royal Irish were used together until a new guidon was presented.  This new guidon is of the dame design as the one mentioned earlier it has the Hanoverian horse in the 1st and 4th corners and the numbers and initials of the two antecedent regiments in the 2nd and 3rd.The centre design features a garter belt, with a harp above the white horse, symbols of both of the antecedent regiments. This is within a union wreath and topped with a crown. Below this is the regiment's cap badge of a crowned harp placed upon the cypher of the Queen's Own Hussars. 44 battle honours are displayed between the two sides.

Part 2 of this post will look at the flags used by the Irish Defence Forses

For more in this series see the links below or click the label History of Irish flags:

Also in the Series

Pt 1 Early Flags

Pt 2 Dawn of Heraldry

Pt3 Origins of the Harp

Pt 4 St George in Ireland

Pt5 Rebels Invaders and Civil Wars

Pt6 Jacobites & Williamites
Pt7 St Patrick's Saltire
Pt 8 Military flags of the 18th & 19th Centuries

Pt 9 The Rising of 1798
Pt 10 Union Jacks & Green Harp Jacks
Pt 11 Fenian Brotherhood
Pt 12 the Home Rule Crisis
Pt 13 Foreign Military Service

Pt14 The Tricolour
Pt15 Flags at Sea
Pt16 Modern Military flags Pt1
Pt 16 Modern Military flags Pt2