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from which the battle was controlled. Every may remain in use if the materials have not
unit took into battle its drummers, buglers, deteriorated. The natural moisture and oil of
fifers and other musicians who might make the human hand stains delicate fabrics and
up a band (they also doubled as stretcher causes rapid deterioration. For these reasons,
bearers). Upon an attack developing, the personnel who must handle the Colours must
Commanding Officer would order the wear clean white gloves.
various instruments to be beaten or blown as
hard as their players could manage. The When not in use on ceremonial occasions,
attention of the unit was drawn to the fact Colours are retained or kept in the CO!
that the centre was being threatened and the Commander’s Office secured in a
Colours were in danger. This action became suitable display cabinet. Colours are
the centre point of the way and the music always to be displayed, uncased and
became a rallying tune. attached to their own pike! Staff. The
custodian of the Colours is usually the
Presently the Band will play the stirring Unit RSM who is responsible for the care
tune of “Point of War” as a form of salute and maintenance of the Colours.
for all Colours being marched on and off
the parade ground. WITHDRAWAL FROM SERVICE

TRANSPORTING OF COLOURS A Colours is to be withdrawn from service
when the Unit is deactivated but remains on
Whenever Colours are transported, they are the order of battle. The withdrawn Colours
to be accompanied by an Officer, Warrant will be allocated to a unit, namely the
Officer or a senior Specialist. Colours are Formation HQ, for safekeeping and it will
to be cased until they reach the place where remain cased.
they are to be paraded and the units are to
ensure that the Colours is handled with Once the unit is reactivated, the Colours will
dignity and is safeguarded at all times from be re-allocated to its Unit by the Service HQ.
being damaged. Individual stand of While there is no ceremony associated with
appropriate size and strength for the withdrawing a Colours from service, or
safeguarding and protecting the Colours placing the Colours back into service, a
from damaged when transporting them Colours parade should be held as soon as
between locations is encouraged. possible after the Unit has reformed. It is
during this parade that the Colours are
CARE AND CUSTODY OF COLOURS “Trooped”.

Colours are fashioned by hand from the
highest quality silks, gold and coloured braid REPLACEMENT OF COLOURS
and threads. It is therefore a costly and
delicate article, requiring careful treatment at Colours should be serviceable for at least
all times. It is estimated that with care, 15 to 20 years. However, regardless of
Colours should have a useful life span of their age where through normal wear and
about 15 to 20 years. The life span of the tear, they become unserviceable or
Colours also depends upon its condition and condition of the Colours may cause
embarrassment to the Unit or there is a