2-913-916 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Presentation of Colours to the First Somerset Militia, by the Countess Poulett, 1854. Military ceremony during the Crimean War. 'The regiment, under the command of Lord Hinton, its Colonel, was drawn up on the Hoe...order was given...to the 1st Somerset, to form three sides of a square, two deep...The Colours (procured from Messrs. Moore and Co., of St. James-street, London, and by whom the regiment has been entirely equipped) were then uncased, and placed on a drumhead on the platform...The Rev. G. W. Lanymead...then proceeded to consecrate the Colours...The Countess Poulett then presented the Colours to the two Ensigns [and said]: "Officers and soldiers of the 1st Somerset, accept at my hands these Colours presented to you by the ladies of the county of Somerset, and when you carry them in front of battle, the best prayers of your country woman and neighbour follow your steps"'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.