This essay will provide information on the history of banners, specifically, the Princess Anne Banner. However, I will also inform the reader as to what they are, what their purpose is, and how they originated, which is what I will cover first.
In ancient times, Bannerette was a knight privileged to display a square Banner in the field. During the 13th century In England, a Troop commander, who was in charge of 10 or more lancers who did not have the rank ‘Earl’ was usually assigned as a Bannerette.
Currently, in the Australian Army there are three types of banners. These banners are known as The Governor Generals Banner, which is awarded to training establishment’s which do not have a Colour, they are however treated with the same respect as a colour. The second type of banner is known as the Sovereign’s Banner, this may be awarding to any corps (including those who already possess Colours) by the Queen. Lastly there are banners that may be presented by other members of the royal family and they will each take up their respective name.
On the 14th of November 1904, the first banners were awarded to the Australian Army and presented to each of the following Corps: Each Light Horse Regiment, The Royal Australian Artillery and The Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
They were awarded in recognition of valuable service to the Empire in the Boer War.
By March 1956, these banners, with the exception of the Royal Australian Artillery Banner, had been ‘Laid Up’. The RAA Banner was replaced on the 1st of August 1971 during the corps centenary year.
In Recent years, banners have also been awarded the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, The Royal Australian Ordnance Corps, The Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, as well as both the Royal Military College and the 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
On the 10th of September 1980, approval was given by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne (Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals) for...