Colours of the Irish Guards

The Background to the Colour:

Unique to the Foot Guards that the sovereign approves individual badges for Companies. They are normally made into flags mounted on crimson backgrounds measuring 1ft 8 in x 1ft 6 in.

The Colours we use:

Within the Battalion of the Irish Guards they are called the Company Colours, however, within other Regiments of the Division they are called Flags (SG), Camp Colors (GG) or Silks (CG), in addition to this the Welsh Guards have taken the same line as the Irish Guards and called them Company Colours.

The History of the Colour:

Shortly after the Regiment was formed (1900) it was granted eight Company Badges by King Edward VII. Then came the reforming of the second Battalion in 1939 application was then made for a further eight badges, however they were not approved until 1945 by King George VI, shortly before the Battalion went into suspended animation. Later due to the alteration in organisation it became necessary to seek a further six badges. The Queen granted these in 1954 bringing the total to the present figure of 22.

The Colours on Parade:

On a parade the Colours are held on a pike by a Non Commissioned Officer and used as marker points. Only the colours of those on parade are used. The Colours of the Senior Officers on parade should always be placed either side of the saluting dais.

1 Company CQMS Steve Boyle 2 Company Sgt Phil Wilson 4 Company CQMS Paul Fagin Support Company Sgt Phil Trainor Headquarter Company CQMS Daz Slater

1st Battalion Irish Guards Colours