Home Dedication About the Authors History Bosworth Field Ceremonies Duties Elizabeth I Events Some Facts Organization The Oath Uniforms Playing the Part Military Bearing and Conduct Safety Commands Stationary Orders Marching Drills Polearm Drills Polearm Transistions Sword Drills Battle Standard Sources Yeoman Cast Pictures 1997 1998 1999 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Thesis Author St George Productions

The Yeomen of the Queen’s Guarde Valecti Garde (Corporis) Domini Regina Battle Standard Drills We are very proud of the Battle Standard that we have created for the Yeomen of the Guard. If you are assigned the task of carrying it for us there are several things you must remember. First, the task of carrying the Standard is a respected position and is considered a great honor. This is because, if a battle were to take place, the man carrying the standard would be the most visible man on the field and, thus, the easiest target. Your demeanor should reflect this honor. Second, All of the ceremony drill movements with the Battle Standard are exactly the same as the movements with a polearm EXCEPT the General Salute, Mourn Arms, Port, and Charge positions. The differences are outlined below. Third, do not let the Standard out of your control. This includes letting a patron hold it or letting the wind take it out of your grip. It is perfectly acceptable to use both hands to hold the Standard in high wind situations. Fourth and finally, patrons may ask you what the devices on the Standard represent. You need to know what they mean. The Battle Standard of the Yeomen of the Guard,  Guilde of St. George of Virginia The shield in the upper corner has the cross of St. George in the center and the upper right and lower left quadrants. St. George is, of course, the Patron Saint of England. In the upper left and Lower right quadrants are green and white stripes. The colors green and white are the colors of the House of Tudor. You can tell patrons that the shield represents the founder of Yeomen of the Guard, Henry VII.  The symbol in the center of the Standard is a Tudor Rose. Flanking the Tudor Rose are the letters "E" and "R," which stand for "Elizabeth Regina" which means "Elizabeth the Queen." Below the Tudor Rose is scroll work with the motto, "Dieu Et Mon Droit," which means "God is my Right." At the bottom center of the Standard is a circle with the year 1485, the year The Yeomen of the Guard was founded by Henry VII as a reward for their service at Bosworth Field. In the lower corners are two scrolls containing the words TOURNAI 1514 and BOULOGNE 1544, which are the two battle honors won by the Yeomen of the Guard. Battle Standard General Salute Battle Standard Mourn Arms/Case the Colors Battle Standard Port and Charge Battle Standard General Salute The General Salute with the Battle Standard is almost exactly the same as the General Salute with a pole arm. The only difference is that, instead of placing the tip of the weapon on the ground, you hold the pole horizontal to the ground so that the Standard hangs and doesn’t touch the ground. Top Battle Standard Mourn Arms/Case the Colors This action is normally performed in a special ceremony on Memorial Day.  When the command "Case the Colors" is given, the Standard Bearer and another predetermined Yeoman will step forward out of the ranks.  The Standard Bearer will drop the Standard into a horizontal position and begin rolling it around its pole.  The second Yeoman will remove the casing from the Standard Bearer’s belt and place it over the colors.  When this is accomplished, the Standard Bearer will return the Standard to the previous position and the second Yeoman will step back into ranks.  The commander will then give the command "General, Salute!" at which the Standard Bearer will do nothing more than remain at the Attention, reach up with his left hand and grasp the brim of his cap.  Next the "Mourn, Arms!" command will be given at which time the Standard Bearer will drop his hand to his side and then bring the Standard to the slope position. Top Battle Standard Port and Charge If the "Port" or "Charge" is given and you are carrying the Battle Standard, shift your right foot back in the way you would if you were carrying a pole arm. At the same time, using your left hand, reach across your body and grasp the polearm.  DO NOT drop the pole down to a 45 degree angle (port) or to a position horizontal with the ground (charge) - Remain with the Standard at the vertical. Top Feedback This site best viewed at 1024 x 768. Last updated: March 3, 2009 © 2002 - 2009, St, George Productions, LLC