Eagle Standard of the 82nd Regiment of the French Line, captured at Martinique in 1809
Object number
RFM.263
Object name
Standard
Description
In early 1809, the Royal Fusiliers joined the army sent to capture the French colony of Martinique; known as the Invasion of Martinique. After a difficult fight, the French were besieged. Four days later the French surrendered and three Eagle Standards were captured by the British. The Royal Fusiliers were awarded this standard as a reward for their accomplishments in the battle and carried it into battle themselves. Notably it was carried by the Fusiliers at Battle of Albuera in 1811, where they distinguished themselves.
Standards play a similar role to the ‘colours’ of the Royal Fusiliers. The Colours are flags that are used as a rallying point on a battlefield. Both standards and colours were traditionally carried into battle as a rallying point for troops. Both have a great symbolic significance, usually to their particular unit, and are ferociously guarded.
Production date
1809
Associated Date
1809-1809
Location
On display