"Arma virumque cano."

--Virgil

In preparing this work the Author has been influenced by the desire of rendering the people of England familiar with the heroic deeds of the British army, without obliging them to wade through a sea of matter. It occurred to him that the most effective means of accomplishing that object was by a pictorial as well as a literary treatment of the subject--a combination peculiarly calculated to aid the memory.

The standards, guidons, and flags of a regiment, may be regarded as the records of its achievements, and they will be ever prized as the emblems of its honour and renown. Great care has been devoted to the production of illuminated facsimiles of the insignia of each regiment, whether under the recent regulations or otherwise, accompanied by an illustrative text, containing a brief prJds of its history, the occasion on which its present stand of colours was presented, the origin of the distinctions which have been conferred upon it, and the succession of Colonels or Commandants from its formation to the present time.

It is hoped that a work will be thus formed, which will not only prove attractive to military men, as a faithful history of the services performed by the various corps belonging to their glorious profession, but which will also be found capable of affording valuable assistance to the student or official, as a book of reference or repertory of facts.

It is to be observed that in several instances the marks of distinction peculiar to certain regiments have been placed upon the corners of their colours, which has rendered it necessary, in order to preserve uniformity of design, to have all the flags drawn in a manner which it is admitted is not strictly within artistic rules.

In conclusion, the Author wishes to express his grateful acknowledgment of the valuable assistance which has been so cheerfully rendered to him by the commanding and other officers of various regiments to whom he has applied for information.