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In our series on Army customs and traditions, we next look at Military Colours. The term 'Colours' refers to all classes of military flags, namely standards, guidons, and banners. In the SAF, Colours are awarded to units in recognition of their achievements. In addition, they symbolise the pride, honour, and loyalty of the men in a unit. To understand the unique role and status of the Colours, we need to know their historical origin.
Origin of the Colours
Colours were first used as a form of identification in battle, in the early seventeenth century. The ability of an army to hold its formation during battle was crucial to obtaining victory. However, it was easy for soldiers to lose their positions amid the confusion of the battlefield. It was therefore decided that each regiment would carry a flag into battle as a rallying point for its troops. Unlike the Colours today, which usually bear a state or regimental crest, these early flags were rudimentary banners of a single colour, hence the term 'Colours'.
Eventually, the Colours became a source of morale and pride for soldiers. Men were inspired to keep fighting when they saw their flag flying high, and because of their symbolic importance, the number of enemy Colours captured in battle became a measure of the extent of victory. Capturing an enemy's Colours was considered a great honour, while losing one's Colours was a severe humiliation. Hence, a group of soldiers, the Colours Party, was assigned to protect the Colours whenever they were brought into battle.
The Colours Party consisted of a young officer, known as the Ensign, who carried the Colours, and five of the bravest sergeants. An obvious target for the enemy, they were expected to defend the Colours with their lives and thus took part in some of the fiercest fighting in the battlefield. In modern ceremonies, the Colours Party is represented by a junior officer and accompanying sergeants and warrant officers.
Colours in the SAF
Colours are no longer carried into battle, but they are still retained in modern armies as symbols of tradition and glory. In addition, they promote esprit de corps and instil pride and loyalty in soldiers. Colours also bear the badges that commemorate the achievements of the regiment.
There are two types of Colours in the SAF: the State Colours and the Regimental Colours. Until 1997, services, formations, and units were awarded Regimental Colours about five years after they had been formed, and were awarded State Colours two years after they received the Regimental Colours. It was subsequently decided that since both types of Colours served the same purpose of inspiring soldiers, State Colours would be awarded to the three Services and SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI) while Regimental Colours would be awarded to units and formations. All other State Colours, as well as the Regimental Colours of the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy, were retired at the 1997 SAF Day Parade. New Colours are always consecrated by religious leaders before being presented by the President of Singapore. Among the most prestigious Colours a unit can be presented are the SAF State Colours (upgraded from the SAF Regimental Colours). Every year, the Best Combat Unit is appointed the custodian of the SAF State Colours.
On parade, the Colours are arranged according to the date they were granted, with the oldest Colours on the left and the newest Colours on the right of the observer. There are some exceptions to this rule. The HQ Commandos Formation Colours, for example, precede the Colours of the 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) despite being granted later. Colours are also used to depict differences in seniority. Each of the six infantry battalions has a distinct background colour; yellow (1 SIR), red (2 SIR), green (3 SIR), blue (4 SIR), brown (5 SIR), purple (6 SIR).
The function of the Colours today is more symbolic than practical, but their importance is difficult to overstate. They are the embodiment of an institution's history, honour, and tradition. In some armies, standing orders are given that the Colours should be destroyed if they are ever in danger of falling into enemy hands. Colours may no longer be used on the battlefield to identify regiments to men, but through Colours, men can identify with the regiment or army that they proudly fight for.
Readers interested in learning more about the various SAF Colours can refer to the book "Our Army: Customs and Traditions".
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