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INTRODUCTION Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed
At about the beginning of the seventeenth
century when armies were adopting the
regimental system, it was decided to assign
colours (using the word in its conventional
sense) to each regiment. It was logical, then,
for the “Red Regiment,” for example, to carry
a red flag for identification in battle. Hence
military flags became known as “Colours.”
Another explanation of the term is that early
heraldic flags bore the Colours of a
commander in precisely the same sense as
used in horse racing today.
On the other side of the world, in about 1650,
the first of the Manchus was experimenting
with a new concept of military organization.
He divided his troops into four groups - the
Yellows, Reds, Whites and Blues. Each were
identified by a coloured banner. Later he
doubled the number of units, having each new
unit take one of the original four colours and
adding a border.
So, the Colours originated as a means of
battlefield identification and continued to
perform this function for many years. Modern
armies now carry Colours only in ceremonies
HISTORY OF MILITARY COLOURS
The awarding of Colours to military units is
an established practice of many National
Forces is no exception. Colours are frequently
paraded during auspicious and significant
occasions.
Traditionally, our Colours are paraded on
National Day, SAF Day and on Anniversary
Day parades, with proper Escort Party and
Guard of Honour Contingents. But other than
to add to the pomp and pageantry of these
events, Colours have a history and tradition
dating as far back as the Middle Ages, and a
significance which is maintained even till to-
date.
Colours originated as banners of lords and
barons at a time when it was a tradition for
fighting men to rally around their leader’s
banner. The reason for its existence arose
from the need to have some rank of
distinction between tribes and armies, and a
conspicuous rallying point in battle. In war
between tribes, for example, the badge of
each tribal chief was hoisted onto a pole so
that it could be seen at a distance, and not just
in close combat.
Later, these became flags of distinctive
Colours in a battlefield for marking
positions. And through constant usage,
the term “Colours” is often taken to
mean all classes of military flags which
are known differently as standards,
guidons and banners.
In the past when Colours were carried on
active service, they stood as a rallying
point of the regiment, and the scene of its
last stand. it is a powerful factor in
maintaining morale. Many would die just
to keep the Colours flying high.
Similarly, to capture the Colours of the
enemy was a sign of great courage.