208. PRESENTATION OF COLOURS.
1. The battalion, except the Colour party, band and drums, will be drawn up in line.
The place for the Colour party will be preserved by three non-commissioned officers. The old Colours, with the serjeant and two coverers, S. 184 (5), of the Colour party and double sentries, will be in front of the left of the line, at right angles to it, and the band and drums placed as for trooping.
The lieutenants of the Colour party will be with the escort (the right company), which in this case will be commanded by a captain.
The new Colours, cased, will be in rear of the centre, in charge of two senior colour serjeants.
2. The old Colours will be trooped. On reaching the right of the line, the old Colours will take post in front of the escort, which will then advance about ten paces, form to the left, and in that order proceed to the left of the line, the band will follow, playing “Auld Lang Syne.” The escort will return to its place by the rear; the old Colours, cased, being left in rear of the battalion in charge of two colour serjeants.
The battalion will then form three sides of a square.
The drums will be piled in the centre; the new Colours will be brought up from the rear by the colour serjeants in charge, and placed against the pile of drums, one on each side, the King’s Colour on the right. The second in command and senior lieutenant will then take charge of the King’s Colour; the next senior officer and next senior lieutenant of the Regimental Colour. These officers will uncase the Colours and replace them against the drums.
3. The consecration will then proceed.
After the consecration, the second in command will hand the King’s Colour to the person presenting the Colours, from whom the senior lieutenant will receive it, sinking on the right knee; the Regimental Colour will in like manner be handed by the next senior officer, and received back by the second senior lieutenant; both lieutenants will then rise.