Member attends Trooping the Colour

Highland RFCA Associate Member Mrs Sarah Dickie had the privilege of attending Trooping the Colour for His Majesty The King’s Birthday Parade on 15 June.

The former Nurse Director and Armed Forces Champion at Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder NHS Tayside was delighted when her bid for a ticket to the prestigious event was successful.

Many thanks to Sarah for sharing some great images from her exciting day in London.

The parade was the Household Division’s gift to its Colonel-in-Chief, His Majesty The King.

Since 1805 a version of the event has taken place as a visual manifestation of the Household Division’s loyal commitment to the Sovereign. It has grown over time and, while very important to the Army, also represents a national celebration.

This year, Number 9 Company Irish Guards had the privilege to Troop its Colour through the ranks.

HRFCA Member Sarah Dickie with her husband Jim at Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour.

Sarah said: “I was privileged to be able to attend Trooping the Colour to celebrate The King’s birthday. It was a joy to see the impressive display of pageantry and such an important tradition. I am grateful to Highland RFCA for the opportunity to attend.”

Sarah was accompanied by her husband Jim. Jim was formerly a Regional Employer Engagement Director with Highland RFCA, based in Dundee.

Origin of Trooping the Colour

In the Middle Ages each Lord or Baron flew a unique banner as a sign by which his followers could distinguish him in battle. As more flags were created, they assumed a diversity of hues and came to be called ‘Colours’. By the time of the Civil War (1642-1660), Colours were in use for individual Companies and a Battalion would have had ten or more. The regulations of 1661 established order and in 1707, during Queen Anne’s reign, the number of Colours was reduced to two per Regiment.

The principal role of a Regiment’s Colours was to provide a rallying point on the battlefield, which was essential because it was too easy for troops to become disorientated and separated from their Unit, especially without the aid of modern communications. If troops were to be able to find their Colours in the chaos of conflict, they needed to be able to recognise them at a glance and so it became practice to display them regularly. This was achieved by having an officer march along the rank of formed soldiers and other officers with the Colours held high, a practice known as ‘Trooping’. Colours were last carried into Action by the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot in South Africa in 1881, but ‘Trooping’ ceremonies continue to this day.