British Colours & Standards 1747–1881 (2): Infantry

Osprey Elite #81

by Ian Sumner, Richard Hook (Illustrator)

In this second of a two-part sequence a respected vexillologist describes, explains and illustrates a wide variety of the King's and Regimental colours carried during the 18th and 19th centuries by British Household, Regular, Militia and Volunteer infantry regiments. The successive regulations between 1747 and 1881 - when the carrying of colours in the field ceased - are supported by comprehensive tables of 'ancient badges' and battle honours; many careful drawings; and by ten dazzling plates by Richard Hook, detailing some 35 flags in full colour, as well as a number of famous colour-bearers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2001

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Wargamer, I'd say "everyone knows about British flags. One's the Kings Colour- looks like the Union Jack- the other is the Regimental flag, with the Jack in the corner and the field in the regiment's facings colour." Having read this delightful tome, I'd say I sort of had it right- but there's so much more to it than that. For the 5mm-15mm gamer, my rule of thumb worked well enough(makes sense, I game/paint in 15mm) but for today's 28mm gamer of those who love 54mm figures, the extra detail provided by this book is amazing.

The book follows the 64 page format that Osprey have championed. History, going in to costs and dimensions, peppered with great black and white photos and drawings. In the center a great colour plate section shows both flags and some flag bearers in wonderfully useful way. My only real complaint is that the Armies of the East India Company/Raj are barely mentioned at all. With Indian soldiery making up a large percentage of all Colonial expeditions, this is a glaring oversight.

This is a great book for the younger reader, so simply presented and such basic history to be gained. For the Gamer/Modeler/military Enthusiast, a godsend. Even when I felt the book going down the rabbithole of Militias, Volunteers and Territorials, I realized that figure painters love the challenge of the Flag-bearer and would be very receptive. A straight recommendation, a good addition to any anglophile gamer/modeller's collection.

[Maxwell Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like 'British Colours & Standards 1747–1881 (1): Cavalry,' this book contains a wealth of knowledge on infantry standards of the era. As a historical reenactor for for the War of 1812, I learned a good number of things from standards and regimental colours.

I recommend this book to all learners and reenactors of this era.

[Adam Gutschenritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to using the information I learned in this to paint the standards for my Black Powder American Revolution Army.