Ever since the time when the Romans went into battle, inspired by the vexillum or labarum, military flags or colours have commanded a respect bordering almost on the sacred. Our own history is crowded with incidents which go to prove this contention. Who is there, for instance, who has not heard of the gallant deeds of Melvill and Coghill, two heroes who lost their lives in an endeavour to preserve the Queen’s colour after the disastrous Zulu encounter at Isandlwana? Or let us take the case of Lieutenant Anstruther, a youngster of eighteen, in the Welsh Fusiliers. In defending the colour he carried up the treacherous heights of the Alma, a shot laid him low, and eager hands snatched up the e…
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