Original Query:

In his account of the battle of Schellenberg in 17O6, de la Colonie mentions that the Imperialist regients by way of a field sign had a bunch of straw attached to their standard poles, and it is well known that in the C18th at least French regiments were similarly distinguished by a white Cravat at the top of the staff. This would seem to be eminently sensible and it would seem not unlikely that it had also been used in the previous century. Is there any reference to regiments during the Civil War being distinguished thus??? (or failing that, contemporary evidence of its use on the continent).

Answer

Nothing has emerged on Field signs on Flag Poles. Of Field signs generally, there is a very good section in the new Haythornthwaite's THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR: An illustrated Military History. We also hope to get an article on this subject into the magazine.

More Mercurius Publius

Prince Rupert's Foote at Naseby
Cromwell and Freemasonry
Field Signs
Son of Cromwell
Apostles???
Auxiliaries

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