This is all that remains of the Regimental Colour which was carried at the Battle of the Alma in the Crimean War, 1854. Together with the Sovereign's Colour it was presented to 1st Royal Welch Fusiliers by Field-Marshall H.R.H. the Prince Consort in 1849. The Union flag and some of the battle honours are missing. After the ensign to the colour, J. H. Butle, was killed, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Chester, carried it himself. He too was killed. It was then carried by Sergeant Henry Smith. The colours would have been the focus of enemy fire. This was pierced by 16 cannon balls. The severely damaged colour continued to be used until 1880.
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