Colours of the 2nd Battalion 1878-1902

This photo was published in the Navy and Army Illustrated in 1896. The regimental and Queen's Colours of the 2nd Battalion the King's Own Royal Lancasters are displayed with drums and bugles, and drum-major's mace. The regimental Colour, on the left is described in 2nd Battalion Regimental Colour 1878-1902. These Colours were presented to the 4th King's Own by Queen Vivtoria at Windsor Castle on 6th December 1878. Shortly afterwards the battalion went to South Africa to take part in the Zulu War of 1879. The Queen spoke these words to them: "Confident that I may at all times rely on your zeal and devotion in my service, and that you will emulate the deeds of your predecessors, who for 200 years have been distinguished in the annals of their country, I deliver these Colours to the charge of the 4th King's Own." Colonel Bray CB was in command of the battalion and the adjutant was M E Crofton who became Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion in 1895. The Officers charged with receiving and carrying the Colours were Lieutenants F M G Hutchinson and C S Shepherd. The Colours were not replaced until 1902 even though they did not conform to the 1881 regulations. The Battle Honour above the crown reads SOUTH AFRICA 1879 which was added after they returned to the UK. The Queen's Colour bears the old regimental number IV which the King's Own were still proud to use even though the changes of 1881 abolished the numbering of the infantry regiments.

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