Red Drum Banner 1896


This red banner replaced the previous blue one in late 1896, in time for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897. It was used for the first time in the Lord Mayors Show on 9 Nov 1896. An article in Military Modelling of Nov 1983 says this: 'The regiment remained at Aldershot during 1895/6 before moving to Hounslow in 1897. Sometime during this period, precise date not known but certainly by November 1896, a complete reversal of colours took place, the old blue drum banners and shabrack were stripped down and new crimson or scarlet banners made up by Hawkes using most of the old ornaments. This is where the confusion between the blue and scarlet has arisen because the new banners were so skilfully made that it is hard to tell the difference from photographs. Actual inspection of the banners will show slight traces of the old blue material to be seen against the red.' There are differences that help identify this banner in photos of the period; The flaming grenades in the corners have larger flames. The scroll above the grenades has a shorter title ROYAL SCOTS GREYS instead of ROYAL NORTH BRITISH DRAGOONS. Also the motto SECOND TO NONE is in gold lettering on a blue velvet background instead of blue lettering on a gold background. It seems that the central thistle had been re-embroidered as there are differences in the leaves and the stalk.


Regimental Details | Band


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by Stephen Luscombe