Background Information on the St John (NSW) Colour

Origin of Colours The origin of the custom of carrying Colours goes back to the days of early man, who fixed his family badge to a pole and held it aloft in battle for the dual purpose of indicating his position and acting as a rallying point should the occasion arise. Medieval chivalry followed the same idea when armorial bearings were placed on their banners so that these could be seen well above the melee. When armies were beginning to adopt a system of regimentation at the beginning of the 17th century each company was allotted a Colour, a custom which persisted for about a hundred years. Symbolism Colours have become the symbol of the spirit of a regiment, for they bear the battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised. This association of Colours with heroic deeds has caused them to be regarded with veneration. The fact that Colours are consecrated before being taken into use, and after service are laid up in sacred or public buildings, helps to maintain the atmosphere of veneration with which they are surrounded. http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/ . St John Ambulance Colour The Brigade Colour is the Badge of the Order, i.e. a white cross with gold lions and unicorns on a black field, size 3 feet by 4 feet. There is a fringe of alternate 2 inches black and white. It is carried on an eight-foot black pole surmounted by the Badge of the Order in silver. The pole has black and white cords with tassels. ST JOHN AMBULANCE FULLY SEWN FLAG

The uniformed branch of the Order of St John have been in existence since 1887, known initially as the Brigade, then Operations Branch, and more recently First Aid Services. Over that time a military type structure of management, uniforms and traditions have persisted. It has as part of its ceremonial regime, the carrying of Colours on Church Parades, Reviews and Award Ceremonies etc. The Colour belonging to St John Ambulance NSW has been damaged to the extent the cloth portion has suffered some discolouration and is somewhat threadbare. From a ceremonial point of view it is not up to the required standard andit should be repaired or replaced. The Colour has been repaired in the past however has fallen into disrepair again. Colours are usually replaced from time to time, however is generally preserved for the sake of continuity.