We are now drawing to the close of this historical sketch, but before turning from the subject we must mark the year 1855. About this time the union wreath on the colours of the infantry regiments assumed the style as we now have it; the spear-head gave way for the lion and crown which now adorns the pike-tops, whilst the cord and tassels were given a definite style which has not been altered since.
About this time, also, a regulation was issued declaring that “The regimental or second colour is to be the colour of the facing of the regiment, with the Union in the upper canton, except those regiments which are faced with red, white or black. In those regiments which are faced red or white, the second colour is to be the red cross of St. George in a white field, and the Union in the upper canton. In those regiments which are faced with black, the second colour is to be the St. George’s Cross: the Union in the upper canton, the three other cantons, black.”
A more recent regulation has been framed which, in a measure, modifies the one just quoted. We give it at length:—
“The Colours of the Infantry are to be of silk, the dimensions to be 3 ft. 9 ins. flying, and 3 ft. deep on the pike, which, including the Royal Crest, to be 8 ft. 7½ ins., the cords and tassels to be crimson and gold mixed.
“The Royal or First colour of every regiment (of infantry) is to be the Great Union, the Imperial colour of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in which the Cross of St. George is conjoined with the crosses of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, on a blue field. The first colour is to bear in the centre the territorial designation on a crimson circle with the Royal or other title within the whole, surmounted by the Imperial Crown.
“The regimental or second colour is to be the colour of the facing of the regiment, except in those regiments which are faced with white, in which the second colour is to be the red cross of St. George in a white field, with the territorial designation of the Royal or other title displayed, as on the Royal or First colour, within the union-wreath of roses, thistles and shamrocks, ensigned with the Imperial crown.
“The regimental or second colour of the First and Second battalions is to bear the ancient badges, devices, distinctions, and mottoes, which have been conferred by Royal authority. The third and fourth battalions[[8]] are to carry the same colours without such devices and distinctions as specially refer to actions or campaigns granted in commemoration of the services of the other two battalions. The number of each battalion, I., II., III., IV., is to be placed in the dexter cantons.
“In those regiments which bear any ancient badge, the badge is to be on a red ground in the centre. The territorial designation, if practicable, to be inscribed on a circle within the union wreath of roses, thistles, and shamrocks, and the Royal or other title in an escroll underneath, the whole ensigned with the Imperial crown.
“No additions to, or alterations in colours is to be made without the Sovereign’s special permission and authority, signified through the Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
“Application for new colours is to be made to the Director of Clothing, in accordance with the instructions laid down in the Royal Warrant relating to clothing.”