Colour-Sergeant's Arm Badge 1813


The rank of colour-sergeant was instituted in 1813 and this badge is a rare surviving example. It is 5.5 inches deep and 3 inches wide. This style is still worn by colour-sergeants today in the Household Division except for the shape of the crown. The crown is Georgian , as George III was still alive but the Prince Regent was ruling as from 1811. The Coldstream and 3rd Guards had similar badges for this rank apart from the shape of the star. The 1st Guards had different swords crossed below the flag, being pointed instead of scimitar shaped. Also the gold cords and tassels lie on the flag for this badge but the 1st Guards badge has the cords hanging away from the flag. The wreathed sphinx is a battle honour for Egypt 1801. This particular badge was worn by Colour-Sergeant John Biddle. He was in the Light Company which was made up of 4 sections. Biddle was second in command of the 1st Section at the battle of Waterloo.


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by Stephen Luscombe