Two questions.....

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

1) There were at least six - possibly more - "old corps" in the British (originally English) infantry who were allowed special badges: I am fairly sure that the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th were among them. Does anyone know the full list?

2) The Foot Guards were a little eccentric with their sergeants' sashes in the 18th and early 19th Centuries: the 1st Guards had all-crimson (like the officers); I'm fairly sure that the 2nd had a central dark blue stripe and the 3rd had two central strips of white-over-dark blue. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks.

[RMD]

I've certainly seen a print (Dighton?) of a Sergeant of the 3rd Foot Guards in the Peninsular War with a crimson-white-blue sash, so that seems to tally.

The 23rd had an 'Ancient Badge' (PoW Feathers).

[RMD]

The ones that spring to mind are:

1st had the GR on a blue disc within a circular motto.

2nd the same, except the GR was on a red disc.

3rd had a green dragon

4th had the same as the 2nd.

5th had St George & the dragon.

6th had a collared white stag.

18th had an Irish harp.

21st had a thistle within a circular motto.

23rd had the PoW Feathers.

27th had a three-turreted white castle on a blue disc.

[FreddBloggs]

1st to 8th according to this, as old corps. Others I believe gained the right at various times.

https://tmg110.tripod.com/british3.htm

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Thanks, guys - much appreciated.

[Spanner]

I don't have my books here, but from memory the regiments with the "Ancient Six Badges" (main badge displayed in the centre of the King's and Regimental Colours, with other badges displayed in the second, third and fourth corners of the Regimental Colours) were what became the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Foot. As Mark mentions, others were belatedly recognised in the 1742 Warrant, though evidence shows some had already been in use since the WSS, if not earlier.

[RMD]

Ah, 1742. I was suspicious that many might have officially acquired their badges at a later date.

[Spanner]

The 1742 Warrant basically formalised the design of colours, standards and guidons, and banned the use of non-royal heraldry on them. New badges were awarded at the king's/queen's pleasure, for example the 8th got it's Running Horse badge- but no corner badges- when it became the 8th (King's) Regiment of foot in the early 1750's. I can't remember when the 4th (King's Own) got their (obviously "new" style) design of corner badges- that may have been in the 1742 Warrant. The right to have badges on the their regimental flags was much sought after (at least by the denizens of the officers' mess), and the majority of the flag badges, pre-amalgamations, did come from after 1742, usually as battle honours (eg the Sphinx).

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Thanks - very useful.