Page 97 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Colours

Parade

By Private Chandan Gurung

The First Battalion, the Thus, this token took shape of a flag and A Memorable Day
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is known as Colour these days. Since then
the colours have varied, but in 1747 it
saw their old colours being started to get standardised. After Crimean I was the only one from Adjutant General’s
Corps who was marching in the parade.
marched off as they welcomed War, Battle Honours were placed on them. Personally, it was a very good and
the new ones on 23rd April Colours were carried by Ensigns, mostly honourable experience, not to forget little
in the centre of the front ranks. The bad
stronger arms by the end of three weeks
2016. It was a prestigious thing about this was it would make the rehearsals. There were few more drills that
day, not only for the Fusiliers, rank visible for enemies which would end I had to learn and slow marching was
in bitter fighting. Colour Sergeant was
but all the service personnel introduced in 1813 so that the Ensigns one of my favourite. It was a kind gesture
from my company Officer in Command,
involved to make it a huge would be offered some protection but Major Marcus Ralphs, for presenting me
success. The Colonel-in-Chief, such was the losses amongst the Colour the opportunity to have lunch in Royal
parties they would be ordered to the rear
Tent. I and my parents were sat on one
Field Marshal His Royal once battles started. In 1881, Colour was of the tables accompanied by a fellow
Highness the Duke of Kent last carried in battle for the benefit of the Fusilier. Both of us were a little anxious
fighting troops. Looking at the colours
was present himself on the now, it reminds everyone of the battles and to be around that many high rank
Officers, but was soon calm and sharing
day which made the event honours that came with it. our experiences. Later we were joined by
even more special. The Parade an Officer and ex-Fusilier. It was good
to hear how the regiment was. Overall,
it was a memorable day and being with
Forty Eighth Birthday On the day of the parade it was tough the Fusiliers so far has been wonderful
to get the drills done in timely and with various opportunities. This will be an
professional manner, but keeping in mind experience which both I and parents will
The day also marked forty eighth birthday what the day was about and remembering keep for many years.
for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers having all the sacrifices that were made for our
been formed on St George’s Day 1968. today and future, we all managed and His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent takes the salute
Normally the colours are changed once hopefully passed the hawk eyes of the ex-
every twenty-five years, but this time it was Fusiliers. Inset: Chandan Gurung with his parents on the day of
the parade
twenty three years. Meaning, for most of
the Service Personnel it would be their only
opportunity to take part in such parade.

The Regiment
and Origin of Colours

The Regiment itself was formed from
four English Fusiliers Regiment, The
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, The
Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, The Royal
Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) and
The Lancashire Fusiliers. In early days
soldiers would use some token to serve as
a rallying point and also for identification
in the field. When there was threat of
Spanish Armada, the local leader of
Yeoman stock used flags of different
colours to distinguish their commands.

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