Standards 1871

For the rest of the 18th century the regiment reduced their flags to one standard and two guidons. During the French Revolutionary Wars when the regimental strength was at an all-time high they had more guidons, however they were not carried into battle like the infantry Colours. The normal number of squadrons by the mid 19th century was 4 and they had buff standards. An order of 1844 gave the dragoon guards the right to carry square ended flags while the light dragoons, hussars and lancers had guidons. A photo of the Bays in India in 1865 shows the four squadron standards held by squadron sergeant-majors. Up until 1822 it had been the task of officers to carry the standard or guidon but Horse Guards issued an order in November 1822 that Troop sergeant-majors should carry them.
This contemporary drawing by Ebsworth in 1871 shows the crimson 'Royal' Standard, and the buff flag which is one of the squadron standards, called the Regimental Standard. The details are sketchy but the White Horses are visible, and II D G are in two corners. Despite the pride with which the standards are displayed in the 1865 photo they were officially obsolete by this time. In 1858 cavalry regiments were restricted to only one standard or guidon per regiment.

Regimental details | Standards