The Flash

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Thanks for the additional info Bob.

I think for the time being and examining all the evidence so far I will continue to wear the flash. The alternative for me is to add an extra stripe or possibly a lanyard representing the increase in rank. I have been meaning to get in touch with the regimental museum to gain a little additional credence and approval to wear the flash: is Colonel Crocker still there?

Regards

Pete

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Arrived back from an exhaustive trip to the Somme for the 90th Anniversary. I joined the March to the Pals. On Sat morning we marched down to the sunken lane just below Hawthorn Crater wreaths were laid and our German comrades moved slowly down to our position where a few words were said. The names of fallen Germans and Commonwealth soldiers was read out and the last post sounded.

Moving back to the thread whilst I was over there I met one of our American Friends who knew more than any one on this planet about the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Particularly the flash. "Why are you wearing that" he said pointing as if I had something offensive on my tunic. Our conversation didn't last long and he never spoke to me again for the rest of the weekend. I really would like a definative answer regarding other ranks and the wearing of the flash, otherwise I will have to wear an extra stripe which I don't want to do.

Any help gratefully recieved.

Regards

[ap1]

Hi Pete,

I still think that it was only Sgts and above who were wearing it......

I would mention that when the Merger of the RWF and RRW was first being planned, I certainly heard mention that one of the merger proposals was that they would revert to previous times and Only Officers and Snco's would wear The Flash. This was quickly binned.

I think the museum is the only way to get a definitive answer.


PS...On the subject of Access Denied....why can't I get into your Citybatt site?

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Thanks Alan,

I was in the middle of revamping the City Batts website as the group is all but disbanded. We have joined the Great War Society in order to sustain our activities. In the meantime we have developed a BT fault that has lasted the last fortnight so I can not upload the new info.

Regards

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Looking on the museums website in their frequently asked questions regarding the flash they state the following "Until 1900 it was worn only by Sergeants and Officers "

Does this then mean that after 1900 there were other orders? or that other ranks wore the flash after 1900?

I have posted an e-mail to the museum and will await their reply in anticipation.

Regards

[Birmingham Fusilier]

I finally have that definitive answer from the Museum. I have copied the reply below.

Dear Mr Knight

Thank you for your message re. the wearing of the Flash during the Great War, I’m sorry not to have got back to you sooner.

The official line is that in 1900 the Flash, previously worn only by Officers, Warrant Officers and Staff Sergeants, was approved by Queen Victoria for wear by all ranks of the Line Battalions in full dress.

In November 1923 King George V wrote to the War Office, via his Private Secretary, to say that “The wearing of the tunic….having been abolished…….the Flash should be worn on all Ceremonial and Church Parades and when walking out”. This was ratified by the Army Council in January 1924 with an instruction approving the Flash by other ranks (Regular and Territorial) on ceremonial parades and when walking out.

It appears then that the wearing of the Flash by ORs with service dress was not authorised for 1914-18, and the few photographs I have seen here of the backs of men’s service dress bears this out. A sample is attached. However it is always unwise to be categoric, particularly after 90-odd years.

I hope this helps!

Brian Owen
Curator

[Bob Bacon]

When this subject was first posted I didn't know that it would become such an issue. However, I'm glad that it did; I've learnt something I never knew about the 'Flash', and I'm sure that others have too.

So well done, Pete!

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Thanks Bob,

Anything that raises awareness of the regiment and it's history is always a good thing.

I was never in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but I feel very close to the regiment and a strong loyalty towards it through my Grandfathers connection. I attended the burial of Private Clarke a few years ago who was killed at the Red Dragon incident where my Grandfather won his MM.

Regards

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Hi Pete

What kind of display are you looking to put on ? May 2007 could be enough time for me to earn a kitchen pass from the OC aka ‘she who must be obeyed.’ :bat:

Please pass on my best wishes to your mum and dad also. :)

Richard I have not been active on the forum for a while now. Due to problems beyond my control the May Day event did not procede.

I have organised an event at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley on the 13th and 14th October. If it's not too much short notice you would be welcome to come along and participate in the display. Dad is coming along too.

I also extend the invite to anyone who would like to participate in a Royal Welsh Fusilier Display.

The weekend consists of various nationalities of the Great War. There will be Brittish Tommys, French Poilu, Russians, German Ir28 and K14, Anzac displaying equipment and uniforms types etc. if any one is interested in coming along please let me know.

Regards