10/06/2020
LECTURE NOTE
ON
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE COLOR (FLAG)
BY
ENGR. SAMSON SABO BAKO (ANTO)
CAPTAIN, 10TH SAMARU COMPANY
SECRETARY, SAMARU BATTALION COUNICL
INTRODUCTION
The use of flag is dated back to the origin of man, when it was basically used as a point of muster in times of war. Flags are used by many organizations and for diverse purpose. It is used by every nation, by international organization, social and religious groups, military and paramilitary organizations. It is used for different purpose and it is dignified most especially by the military. For instance in the Navy of most countries during the world wars, there are large versions of the war flag flown on the warships known as battle ensigns; in war in the olden days waving a white flag is a banner of truce or surrender, flags and colors represent different things to different organizations. We in the Boys’ Brigade do not just dignify the colors but the idea behind the color which is Christ-he is our symbol of authority we raise the color as a sign of victory in battle, the color (Christ) is our hope and we dignify our hope which is like an anchor for the soul (Heb. 6:19).
It is important to note that the two terms: “flag” and “color” have a similar meaning in most regimental settings but the usage of flag and color differs.
Colors are used on the parade for the purpose of ceremony with a special squad known as the “Color Party”.
Flag has a wider usage-it is not limited to ceremonial parade alone.
For the purpose of this lecture we will focus on the use of color in the Boys’ Brigade.
DEFINITION
Color is simply defined as the characteristic of human visual perception described through color categories, with names such as red, yellow, purple, or blue etc. In the BB, Army and other military and paramilitary organizations it is described as a special flag used in ceremonial parade.
The color therefore, is a symbol of authority designed to be respected by a nation, military and the Boys’ Brigade. The Boys’ Brigade color must be respected by all its members.
OCCASIONS WHEN COLORS ARE CARRIED IN THE BOYS’ BRIGADE
Colors are carried on all ceremonial parade by BB formation in all countries. The BB formation in the case of Nigeria includes the National, State, Battalion/Group Councils and Companies that are duly registered.
THE COLOR PARTY
Each color is to be carried by a Commissioned Officer and Es**rted by NCOs. Officers could be color es**rt only during the Officers Training Course.
When two or three colors are carried, three es**rts follow, when one flag is carried, two es**rt follows, when four or more colors are carried; each one has an es**rt at the rear.
POSITIONS OF THE COLOR ON AND OFF THE PARADE
The Order: When halted (carry position excluded) standing at easy or easy.
The Slope: When on the march (especially in a route march or from the store house to the parade ground and viz-visa).
The Carry: When marching On and Off the Parade, General salute, Inspection, March past, Going In and coming Out of the church, advancing in Review order.
The Let-Fly: General salute, March past while passing the Saluting dais.
The Lowered: The company color is lowered when saluting the Captain, the Battalion color is lowered when saluting the Battalion Chairman and the National color is lowered when saluting the National President or their representatives on the Parade. All flags are lowered when saluting the Review Officer when the national salute is played.
SOME POINS TO NOTE
It is important to note that the color party does not turn their heads or eyes on the march past, nor do they move on the command “OPEN ORDER” change of position is done smartly by forming without losing bearing.
When the parade is formed up in line of section, the color party will be in the middle (between section 2&3 when four sections are formed) the ensigns being in line with the front rank and the es**rt in line with the rear rank.
If the line is ordered to retire, the color party will not turn about; but will remain in the original alignment by changing direction.
Marching the colors in and out of the church is done in slow march, the national color is first presented and kept by the right of the alter while the other(s) by the left.
National salute is played only at the end of the service before marching out the colors.
While marching out the colors, the color party forms up facing the alter after the closing prayers or can advance in quick time to the front of the alter.
While presenting and retrieving the colors, the ensigns present/receives the colors directly to/from the chaplain, no intermediary.
As the color party advance to the parade ground, all officers and section commanders salute while the band plays the ‘Point of war’ or the ‘Regimental march’.
The color party marches on or off the parade ground either from the right or left of the parade.
Just like when observing any other BB activity in the church with cap off as an act of worship to God, so also the color party are to march in and out of the church with their caps off.
In formation of color party the national flag on the right, follow by the BB flag on the left, then in case other paramilitary organization in terms of joint parade e.g. GB, RA etc. There flags follows which each having their es**rt.
Thank You for Listening
Long Live The Boys’ Brigade Nigeria
Long Live The Boys’ Brigade Kaduna State Council
APPENDIX
Formation of Two Color Party with their Es**rt
Formation of Three Color Party with their Es**rt
Formation of Four Color Party with their Es**rt
