Colours 1751

These illustrations are based on ‘Regulations for the Colours of the Marching Regiments 1747 as delivered to the Clothing Board, November 11th 1749. Robert Napier Adjutant-General’. The regulations were laid down in the Warrant of 1751 which forbade the use of Colonels’ coats of arms. The King’s Regiment had used the Hanoverian White Horse since 1714, being one of the the privileged Royal regiments, so continued to have that as the central badge.
Prior to 1751 each company had a Colour, although in the years leading up to that date there were at least three Colours, for the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel and Major’s companies. The Warrant ordered that each regiment should have two Colours only; the first or King’s Colour, and the second or Regimental Colour. The King’s Colour was the Union Flag with the central badge, and the numeral VIII in the upper canton. The Union flag at this time was the English red cross of St George and the Scottish blue and white saltire of St Andrew. The red saltire of St Patrick was not added until the Act of Union with Ireland in 1801.
The Regimental Colour was to be in the facing colour and have the badge in the centre with a small Union flag in the upper canton showing the numeral VIII. In the other three corners the Royal cypher with a small crown. In both Colours the King’s crown was to be above the badge, although five regiments were exempt from this: the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 23rd and 27th. The white label beneath the garter had the Hanoverian motto; NEC ASPERA TERRENT.
The size of the Colours was to be 6ft 6ins flying, by 6ft 2ins on the pike. The pike, or staff was 9ft 10ins long including the 4inch spear head. Two gold and crimson cords were attached just below the spear head, 3ft long, with tasseled ends.

Regimental Details | Colours