The unique quality of the British Army over the centuries is credited in large part to its "regimental system" - the fostering of pride and a sense of continuity in the individual regiment. During the 18th and 19th centuries the regimental flag always played a central part in the furthering of the regimental legend; and the designs of those infantry colours tell a stirring story stretching back at least 250 years. Against their brightly-coloured backgrounds, each bears a unique combination of "ancient badges" and battle-honours recalling leaders and battlefields of long ago. This volume presents a comprehensive listing of all the regimental colours and standards between 1747 and 1881. The author is the Librarian of the Flag Institute.