Ceremonial drill for Standard Bearers
standard ceremonial positions

At the Order

The Standard pole and. the Standard will be held with the right hand at that part of the pole where the lowest corner of the Standard reaches. The pole will be perpendicular, the bottom of the pole resting on the ground in line with and against the small toe of the right foot, the elbow close to the body. (Note: The Standard should not be stretched tightly down the pole, but allowed to hang naturally.)

Order - From the Carry


1st Motion. Raise the Standard and pole just clear of the socket of the sling using the left hand to hold the socket.

2nd Motion. Lower the Standard to the position of the order, catching the pole with the left hand.

3rd Motion. Cut the left hand smartly to the side.
The Slope - From the Carry



1st Motion. Raise the Standard just clear of the socket of the sling, using the left hand to hold the socket.

2nd Motion. Lower the Standard sharply on to the right shoulder. The angle of the Standard at the slope should be the same as the slope of a rifle, the right elbow close into the side and the right forearm parallel with the ground. The Standard should hang over and cover the right shoulder and arm. The pole should not show between the hand and the shoulder but should be covered with the end of the standard.

Carry - From the Order.


Raise the Standard to a perpendicular position in front of the body, guiding the base of the pole into the socket of the sling with the left hand. The right hand will be in the centre of and in line with the mouth, back of hand to the front, and wrist and forearm horizontal, i.e. at right angles to the pole, which will be held perpendicularly.

Carry - From the Slope

Raise the Standard sharply off the right shoulder with the right hand to the position of the carry guiding the base of the pole into the socket of the sling with the left hand.

DIPPING OF THE STANDARD

This act of homage is only used when paying tribute to Our Fallen at memorial parades and funerals, when the 'Last Post' is sounded or the National Anthem is played or sung.

Dipping of Standard during a Royal Salute
Berets will not be removed.


1st Motion. On the sounding or singing of the first note of the National Anthem raise the Standard just clear of the socket of the sling, using the left hand to hold the socket.

2nd Motion. Lower the Standard, carry the Standard well to the right and lower it with a sweeping motion to a position in front of and in line with the right toe, the head of the pole just clear of the ground, the Standard being spread on the ground and to the right of the pole. H a strong wind is blowing from the right carrying the Standard well to the left, lower it with a sweeping motion to a position in front of and in line with the right toe, the Standard being spread to the left of the pole. The pole should be held under the right armpit, the back of the hand towards the ground, and the right elbow close to the body.
Lowering the Standard in Wet or Muddy Weather

When the Standard is lowered in wet or muddy weather, the end of the pole will be held just above the ground, the Standard being held in the hand to prevent it from becoming soiled. (Note: Care must be taken to look straight to the front when lowering the Standard and not to follow it with the eyes).

Dipping of Standards as an Act of Homage to the Dead

Berets will not be removed. Position of Standard on ground as for Dipping in Salute for National Anthem.



1st Motion. On the sounding of the first note of the 'Last Post' Standards will be lowered slowly and reverently. On completion of this movement head will be bent slightly forward, eyes looking to the ground.

2nd Motion. On the sounding of the flfst note of the 'Rouse' or 'Reveille' Standard Bearers will come to the carry.

Carry - From Dipping

Raise the Standard to a perpendicular position in front of the body, guiding the base of the pole into the socket of the sling with the left hand. The right hand will be in the centre of and in line with the mouth, back of the hand to the front and wrist and forearm horizontal, i.e. at right angles to the pole, which will be held perpendicularly.


ORDER OF PARADES


Normally the order of parades is that if a Band is available .this would lead, following by the Standard.


PARADES AND CEREMONIES


Slings

The leather strap and socket used for carrying the Standard should be worn over the right shoulder, with the socket in front of the centre of the body, thus .preventing the tearing of ribbons or damaging of medals.

DRESS, MEDALS AND SALUTES


Dress for Standard Bearers

Dark suit or blue blazer with dark orgreytrousers, navy blue beret worn so that the head band is level at half an inch above the eyebrows and that the top of the beret is pulled over the right side, the Badge' being over the left eye, RASC or RCT tie, white gauntlet gloves, black shoes or boots. Medals with regulation ribbon length of I 3/8in. Association Lapel Badge. To complete the smart appearance of a Standard Bearer all leather and brass should be well polished.

Draped Standards

When Standards are draped on occasions of memorial or funeral services, 60 inches in length and 6 inches in width of crepe or mourning ribbon is used, tied in the form of a bow just below the spoke on the head of the Standard pole.

Cased Standards

The Standard pole should be unscrewed in the centre and the bunting or silk rolled round the pole, the socket of the sling placed on the spike or staff and the whole covered by the waterproof case. If the Standard is wet the earliest opportunity should be taken to unfurl it and hang it out to dry. This preserves the life of the Standard and prevents creasing.

March Past

Standard Bearers will not remove their berets. Medals (large size) should be worn on all Parades. The correct length of ribbon to be shown when wearing medals is 1 3/8 in and the top of the ribbon should be worn on the left breast immediately below the RASC & RCT
Badge.
Miniature decorations and medals are intended primarily for evening wear and should not be worn on any Parade at which a member of the Royal Family is present. The medals awarded to a deceased ex-Service man or woman may be worn on the right breast by a near relative.
In view of the inclement weather frequently experienced on the occasion of parades, many of which take place in the winter, hats will only be removed for the National Anthem, 'Last Post' and the Silence.
Standards will be dipped when receiving a Royal Visitor, when the National Anthem is played, and during the sounding of 'Last Post'. When Standards are not carried members will show their respect by standing to attention. In marching past and well before the saluting point the command should be given 'Hats off' and then 'Eyes Right' or 'Eyes Left'. Standards will not be dipped.