In the period 1633-1680, the first five infantry regiments, as we know them to-day, were established, and this may be taken as a convenient point from which to begin a study of the standards and colours of our Army. Before this time the military forces of England and Scotland went into battle with a full array of waving emblems, decorated with rampant lions, powdered leopards, spread eagles, and other gaudily-painted devices, but these were usually the symbols of the knights and patrons who raised the forces. Such flags possessed much heraldic or archæological interest, but few claims on the student of military lore, and may be thus set aside with the reminder that, if knowledge of them is required, it may be gained from such sources as the roll of Karlaverok. The first real military flags of which we have definite records were those used in the Civil Wars. The cavalry possessed standards revealing all manner of decorative symbols with mottoes telling of their leader’s faith in God, their hatred for the enemy, and the trust which they placed in Providence. The infantry forces bore colours devised with more regularity of purpose. Each colonel flew a plain white, red or other coloured flag; lieutenant-colonels were known by a flag bearing a small St. George’s Cross in the upper left-hand canton; whilst other officers possessed flags similar to those of the lieutenant-colonels but bearing one, two, three, or more additional devices, according to rank, such devices being lozenges, pile-wavys (i.e., tongues of flame), talbots, etc., usually placed close up to the head of the staff. At this period Scottish forces favoured flags bearing a large St. Andrew’s Cross, in the upper triangle of which a Roman numeral was placed to denote the owner’s rank. In 1661, under the date of February 13th, what was probably the first royal warrant to control regimental colours, was issued by the Earl of Sandwich, Master of the Great Wardrobe. It ran: “Our Will and pleasure is, and we do hereby require you forthwith to cause to be made and provided, twelve colours or ensigns for our =Regiment of Foot Guards=, of white and red taffeta, of the usual largeness, with stands, heads, and tassels, each of which to have such distinctions of some of our Royal Badges, painted in oil, as our trusty and well-beloved servant, Sir Edward Walker, Knight, Garter Principal King-at-Arms, shall direct.” This warrant is of much interest; it tells us that the early standards were painted and not embroidered; that they were made of white or red material—white was a sign of superiority, whilst red pointed to extravagance, as it was more costly than blue, yellow, etc.; and it told us that the Guards were to display the Royal badges, which they do to this day. (All these badges are dealt with in a separate chapter.)