Every company of Regiment of Foot would have an ‘ensign’ or ‘colour’, made of painted silk and around 6 1/2 feet square (around 2 sq metres). These ‘flags’ were a powerful symbol for the Regiment and each company, and signified their individual identity. There was a ‘system’ of the use of symbols to identify each company within a Regiment and the rank of the officer who commanded the company. The actual colour itself also signified particular ‘virtues’ such as justice, faith or honour. Some went even further and emblazoned them with devices and rallying cries. When ‘flourished’ in front of your enemies it made a clear statement about who they were facing and if you had a fearsome reputation this may have a damaging effect on their morale, even to the point of them withdrawing.

 

The loss of the ensign or colour was the worst possible disgrace. They were defended to the utmost and their capture could only signify the severity of the defeat. Such was their value that they were entrusted to the responsibility of an officer, called an Ensign. Whilst it was the most junior rank and hence often held by a young ‘gentleman’, it was nevertheless a great honour to carry the colour. It would have required great courage too. You were the focus of your comrades, who would look to follow you in attack or rally around you in defence and the focus of your enemies too, whose aim it was seize the colour from you and against whom you would defend
it with your life.

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