There are four distinctive forms of Honourable Insignia currently in use by the Australian Army. The term ‘Colours’ broadly encompasses the four distinctive forms of Honourable Insignia that are the symbol of the spirit of a regiment, for on them are borne the battle honours and badges granted to the unit in commemoration of gallant deeds performed by members of the unit from the time their unit was raised.
Originally the Colour was the rally point, when during the noise and confusion of battle, it was the focal point of the regiment. On the verge of ultimate defeat the troops would concentrate around the Colours, which would become the scene of its last defence. From such times, records of epic gallantry and acts of heroic self-sacrifice have been associated with the Colours whose safety engendered these acts.
Two Colours, the King’s and Regimental, are carried by all Australian Infantry Regiments, including battalions of the Reserve and by certain training establishments such as the Corps of Staff Cadets and University Regiments. Guidons are the counterpart of Infantry Colours and are carried by both the Armoured and Aviation Corps. Royal Banners are ocassionaly presented as special commemorations or marks of distinction.
After service Colours were traditionally laid up in sacred or public buildings in order to maintain an atmosphere of veneration. Colours are not disposed of or destroyed when their appearance has deteriorated beyond recognition, they were meant to be left to turn to dust as do the bodies of the fallen soldiers who served them. This tradition has been alter somewhat in that reverential display often includes conservation to preserve laid up colours as long as practical. Many are now displayed flat in sealed cases as part of this endeavour.
The Australian Army Museum of Western Australia currently has 16 Colours, Guidons, or Royal Banners in its collection. They were transferred to the Museum by the State War Memorial and City of Perth or the Regiments themselves from their previous places of laying up or on consecration of new Colours. All are conserved to contemporary museum conservation standards to prolong their display life.
