Flags by NapFlag
The Netherlands
In 1795 the Dutch infantry was organised into half-brigades on the French model. Each half-brigade contained three battalions. Colours of the 1795 pattern were presented to the seven half-brigades between September 1795 and March 1796. I have been unable to ascertain the exact dimensions for the Dutch infantry flags so I have opted for 140cm square for all. The Amsterdam collection contains two battalion flags dated 1799-1806 of a completely different design from the 1795 pattern. It is unknown which units were issued with this pattern, or indeed if they were ever issued. A new 1802 pattern flag was issued to all units begining in May of that year. In 1805 a battalion of Grenadiers of the Guard of the Council was raised, this unit received two standards that were an elaboration of the 1802 line infantry pattern. In 1806 Holland became a Kingdom and at this time the Dutch infantry was organised into nine regiments (1st regiment Guards) and two light regiments all of two battalion strength. New standards measuring 80cm square were presented to the battalions between February and March 1807. On July 9th 1810 Holland was absorbed into France and the regiments were assimilated into the French army, French 1804 pattern flags were issued to all of the ex-Dutch regiments. In 1815 the Regiments of the United Provinces appear to have carried flags of the pattern illustrated below, however there is some evidence that this pattern of flags was not in fact issued until around 1820. The facings of all regular infantry regiments were white, those of the militia were orange and those of the jagers yellow. It is thought that the flags were of the facing colour with a central device and wreath. Some units may also have had the outer border of leaves, although which unit had which pattern is uncertain. The Dutch army museum at Leyden also shows a jager flag as illustrated at bottom left. I have opted for dimensions of 140 x 115cm for these c.1815 designs which 'looks' right.
Batavian Republic Infantry 1795 - 1802
Batavian Repubblic 1799-1806
Batavian Repubblic 1802-1806
Batavian Repubblic 1806-1810
United Provinces Infantry 1815
The Kingdom of Portugal
On 19 May 1806, a royal decree was issued which ordered among other things, the re-organization of the Portuguese army, new styles of uniforms, and new designs for unit flags. Each infantry regiment was issued with two flags, the King's colour in the national colours of red and blue carried by the first battalion and the regimental colour, in the colour of the division to which the regiment belonged, carried by the second battalion. Each cavalry regiment was issued with four standards, one per squadron, the 1st squadron a white standard, the 2nd red, the 3rd yellow and the 4th blue. The infantry regimental flags had cravats in the regimental colours attached immediately below the flag staff heads - see table below. The cavalry regiments cravats were 1st-3rd regiments white, 4th-6th scarlet, 7th-9th yellow and 10th-12th light blue. The infantry King's colours measured 180 cm square, I have no details of the size of the regimental colours and have conjectured 180 X 120 cm based on examining photographs of reproduction flags at the Museu Militar in Busaço. I have estimated the cavalry flags at approx 100 cm square. A decree of 14 October 1808 created six battalions of cacadores, or light infantry. A further six battalions were raised in later years. These battalions did not carry flags, but the 7th and 11th battalions so distinguished themselves at the battle of Vitoria in June 1813, that as a special honour these two battalions were granted King's colours. It is very unlikely that regimental flags were issued to these battalions, or that the flags were ever carried in the field. The 9th, 11th, 21st and 23rd line regiments also distinguished themselves at Vitoria and were granted a special inscription that was added around the central white field bearing the royal arms on the King's colours. The 19th infantry regiments King's colour bore an additional pre 1806 honour in the form of a white scroll with the word "Exemplo" embroidered on it.
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Infantry King's Colours, Top to Bottom:
Post 1806 issue for line infantry regiments.
Pattern for 19th infantry regiment.
Pattern for 9th, 11th, 21st and 23rd regiments post 1813.
Pattern for 7th and 11th cacadores battalions post 1813.
Pattern attributed to 21st regiment - possibly pre 1806 issue.
U.S. Infantry - War of 1812
During the war of 1812 the American Infantry carried two flags per battalion: a National Flag and a Regimental Flag. Regulations for the design of these flags had been laid down in 1808, however the actual designs carried varied in detail from battalion to battalion and according to manufacturer. With the exception of the National Flag of the 1st regiment, the designs shown here are as close to a 'standard' pattern as I have been able to determine. I will add to and update these pages as my research continues. The National standard was officially 7 1/2 feet (approx 229 cm) in the fly by 6 feet ( approx 183 cm) on the hoist. The staff measured 10 feet ( approx 305 cm) and was painted an 'iron' colour. The Regimental standard measured 6 feet ( approx 183 cm) on the fly by 5 feet ( approx 153 cm) on the hoist. Regimental flag staffs measured 9 feet (approx 275 cm) and were also painted an 'iron' colour. My thanks go to Phil Boinske and Eric Jones in tha USA who have both provided me with information on these flags - I hope ya like em fella's.
Top: National Flag 1st Regiment 1808 -1812
2nd Row: Common(ish) National Flag Design
3rd Row: Line Regiment Regimental flag
Bottom: Rifle Regiment Regimental Flag
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